Variable power supply security light with connection priority

ABSTRACT

A security light having optional and prioritized connection to multiple power supplies. The lighting controller can sense the appropriate connected supply and automatically connect to three different power supplies which include house voltage connection through a typical junction box, a remote solar charging station, and on board batteries that can be used as a third backup power supply. Additional implementations include prioritizing the connection to the plurality of electrical supplies and selecting one of the electrical supplies based upon a stored connection priority list or associated circuitry as well as including associated lighting characteristics for the prioritized selection.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure covers an outdoor security light which providesvariable connectivity to multiple power supplies and also includesconnection priority. Increasing power supply connectivity of thesecurity light allows flexibility related to installation location,connectivity in remote locations as well as user control of power supplyselection.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure sets forth an outdoor security light which has aplurality of electrical connections including a direct connection to thehouse or line voltage, a remote photovoltaic cell rechargeable batterysystem and an internal replaceable backup battery power supply. Thesecurity light includes an illumination controller which controls theelectrical connectivity between the electrical source and the load ofthe lamp heads and selects the appropriate preferential electricalconnection based upon a priority list of connections. The priorityconnection list also includes corresponding associated illuminationcharacteristics with preferential motion sensed illuminationcharacteristics, among other aspects.

In many security light installations, ready availability to anelectrical connection is not present. Thus, the present disclosureprovides a maximum amount of electrical variability for powering theillumination sources, the plurality of LEDs located within the lamp headof the security light. In various implementations, the outdoor securitylight with optional electrical connections allows the security light tobe connected to house current/line voltage, a photovoltaic cell whichcharges a rechargeable battery, and an internal battery pack.

For example, in some installations, the security light may beconnectable to all three power sources. A first electrical supply inputmay be connectable to standard line voltage from a house junction box. Asecond electrical supply input may be connected to a remote solarcharging station having photovoltaic cells for charging a rechargeablebattery and which is removably wired to the luminaire housing. A thirdelectrical supply input may be connected to an internal battery packcontaining at least one replaceable backup battery.

By providing three alternative power sources to power the LEDs of thesecurity light and associated electronics, installation variability isprovided along with the ability for the user to switch from one powersource to the other based upon prioritized connection parameters as wellas associated lighting characteristics.

For example, the security light could power the LEDs utilizing theremote solar cell charging system battery on most occasions until theremote solar charging station rechargeable battery is drained. Upon thedetection of a low battery condition at the rechargeable battery, theillumination controller could be set to automatically switch to thehouse current or the internal battery pack as a backup electricalsource. In such use the security light may provide significant savingsto the user by relying on reusable energy in most instances. Further,such a security light electrical connection provides for systematicbackup when relying primarily on the remote solar charging stationsystem battery, such as for example during heavy motion detection atnight where the lamps are illuminated at high intensity thereby quicklydraining the rechargeable batteries.

In further embodiments, the illumination controller may receive userinput to over-ride the settings for selection of the power supply.

In some embodiments, the security light can be installed in two sectionswith a separate housing mount which electrically connects to the houseline voltage to provide standard AC electrical current to the luminaire.The housing mount can modify the received electricity to low voltagedirect current for ease of connection between the housing mount and theluminaire housing. For example, the housing mount can have appropriateelectronics to provide both AC to DC converters and voltage regulators.For example, the housing mount can modify the incoming 120V AC to lowvoltage DC provided through an interface between the housing mount andthe luminaire housing.

In still further embodiments the housing mount can include electricalcontacts for conveying the converted low voltage DC electrical power tothe luminaire housing. For example, the housing mount can include a setof pluggable contacts. In even further variations, the housing mount caninclude rotational electrical contacts. In such examples, the housingmount can have a mounting plate with at least a first and secondconcentric contact ring for electrical connection to the luminairehousing with low voltage DC.

In some implementations, the luminaire housing can include a firstportion and a second portion, the first portion having matchingelectrical contacts to receive low voltage DC electricity from thehousing mount. In some embodiments, these contacts can be matched forpluggable connectivity while in still further variations these contactscan include electrical contacts which rotationally match contactspositioned on the surface of the housing mount. For example, in someinstance, the first portion of the luminaire housing could have a plugwhich mates with a similar plug in the mounting plate. Alternatively, inexamples, the luminaire first portion could have first and secondoutwardly extending contacts which may be biased against rotationallypositioned electrical contacts on the mounting plate, or vice versa.

For example, the housing mount can have an electrical contact plate withexposed rotational contacts or other electrical connections, theluminaire housing first portion having mating outwardly extendingcontacts or plugs which maintain contact during rotation of theluminaire housing first portion relative to the housing mount.

In some examples, a locking mechanism may be implemented on the collarto retain the luminaire to the housing mounting. In still furtherexamples, the luminaire housing could be retained in the housing mountthrough friction or rotational threads.

The present disclosure sets forth a method for controlling an outdoorsecurity light connected to multiple electrical sources, including aluminaire housing having at least one luminaire lamp head adjustablyconnected to the luminaire housing, the at least one luminaire lamp headhaving a plurality of illumination sources. The illumination controlleris electrically connected to a first electrical supply input, a secondelectrical supply input and a third electrical supply input and isfurther operable to detect an electrical characteristic at each of thefirst electrical supply input, second electrical supply input and thirdelectrical supply input. The illumination controller is operable tocontrol at least one illumination characteristic of the luminaire lamphead plurality of illumination sources, the light also including amotion detection sensor electrically connected to the illuminationcontroller. The illumination controller is connected to an associatedmemory, the associated memory storing an electrical connectivitypriority list which is accessible by the illumination controller andwhich contains at least a first, second and third priority electricalconnection between the first electrical supply input, second electricalsupply input and the third electrical supply input. For each of thefirst, second and third priority electrical connection, the memoryfurther has an associated light output illumination level for detectedmotion from the motion detection sensor. The method further includesdetecting by the illumination controller the electrical characteristicfrom at least one of the first electrical supply input, secondelectrical supply input and third electrical supply input. The methodfurther selects, by the illumination controller, one of the firstelectrical supply input, second electrical supply input and thirdelectrical supply input based upon: the detected characteristic of atleast one of the first electrical supply input, second electrical supplyinput and third electrical supply input, and the electrical connectivitypriority list. The method also includes selectively connecting by theillumination controller the motion detecting sensor to the selected oneof the plurality of the first electrical supply input, second electricalsupply input and third electrical supply input based upon: detecting bythe motion detecting sensor a motion signal. The method finally alsoincludes illuminating by the illumination controller the plurality ofillumination sources of the at least one luminaire lamp head by theselected one of the plurality of the first electrical supply input,second electrical supply input and third electrical supply input at theassociated light output illumination level for the selected electricalsupply input.

These implementations may include at least one or more of the followingfeatures.

In some implementations, the detecting by the illumination controllerthe electrical characteristic from at least one of the first electricalsupply input, second electrical supply input and third electrical supplyinput detects at least one of voltage and current. In some of theseimplementations, the detecting by the illumination controller theelectrical characteristic from at least one of the first electricalsupply input, second electrical supply input and third electrical supplyinput, includes, among other features, detecting each of the firstelectrical supply input, second electrical supply input and thirdelectrical supply input in a predetermined electrical selectivity order;determining if detected first electrical supply input, second electricalsupply input and third electrical supply input meets a predeterminedthreshold; discontinuing the detecting once one of the detected firstelectrical supply input, second electrical supply input and thirdelectrical supply input meets a predetermined threshold. In addition, insome of these implementations, the method may further includediscontinuing the illuminating by the illumination controller of the atleast one luminaire lamp head after a predetermined time period. Furtheraspects may additionally include setting the predetermined time periodfor illuminating of the at least one luminaire lamp head so that it isassociated with the associated light output illumination level.

The present disclosure further describes a method of controlling anoutdoor security light, including sensing, by an illuminationcontroller, an electrical characteristic at a first electrical sourceinput, a second electrical source input and a third electrical sourceinput. The method further includes, based upon the sensed electricalcharacteristic, connecting one of the first electrical source input, thesecond electrical source input and the third electrical source input, toa plurality of LEDs in at least one lamp head of the security light. Insuch implementations, the first electrical source input is electricallyconnected to a line voltage input, the second electrical source input isconnected to a remote solar charging station having a rechargeablebattery, and the third electrical source input is electrically connectedto a local battery source. As well, the connecting of one of the firstelectrical source input, the second electrical source input and thethird electrical source input, to a plurality of LEDs in at least onelamp head of the security light is based upon an electrical connectivitypriority list stored in memory associated with the outdoor securitylight.

These implementations may include at least one or more of the followingfeatures.

In some implementations, the method may further include prioritizing theconnecting to the plurality of LEDs. In some of these implementations,the prioritizing the connecting further includes: connecting the firstelectrical source to the plurality of LEDs when the sensed first voltageis at least a predetermined minimum voltage. In still furtherimplementations, when the sensed first voltage is not at least apredetermined minimum voltage, determining if the sensed second voltageis at least a second predetermined voltage; when the sensed secondvoltage is at least a second predetermined voltage, connecting thesecond electrical source input to the plurality of LEDs. Furtherimplementations may include that when the sensed second voltage is notat least a second predetermined minimum voltage, determining if thesensed third voltage is at least a third predetermined voltage; when thesensed third voltage is at least a third predetermined voltage,connecting the third electrical source input to the plurality of LEDs.Still further implementations may optionally include setting apredetermined intensity for the plurality of LEDs based on theprioritizing the connecting.

Further aspects of the present disclosure sets forth a method ofcontrolling an outdoor security light, including providing a firstelectrical source input, a second electrical source input and a thirdelectrical source input in the outdoor security light. In aspects, thefirst electrical source input is electrically connectable to a linevoltage input, the second electrical source input is connectable to aremote solar charging station having a rechargeable battery, and thethird electrical source input is electrically connected to a localbattery source. The method includes sensing an electrical characteristicat a first electrical source input, a second electrical source input anda third electrical source input and then determining a connectionpriority between the first electrical source input, the secondelectrical source input and the third electrical source input. Themethod further includes connecting one of the first electrical sourceinput, the second electrical source input and the third electricalsource input, to a plurality of LEDs in at least one lamp head of thesecurity light based upon the determined priority of connections.

In other implementations, the present disclosure describes an outdoorsecurity light with multiple power sources and which includes aluminaire housing having at least one luminaire lamp head, the at leastone luminaire lamp head adjustably connected to the luminaire housing,the at least one luminaire lamp head having a plurality of LEDs. Thelight further includes an illumination controller electrically connectedto a first electrical supply input, a second electrical supply input anda third electrical supply input and operable to detect an electricalcharacteristic at each of the first electrical supply input, secondelectrical supply input and third electrical supply input. Further, theillumination controller is operable to control at least one illuminationcharacteristic of the luminaire lamp head plurality of LEDs. Theapparatus further includes that the first electrical supply inputconnected to a line voltage power line, the second electrical supplyinput connected to a rechargeable battery connected to a photovoltaiccell and the third electrical supply input connected to at least onereplaceable backup battery system retained within the luminaire housing.

In such implementation, the illumination controller connected to anassociated memory, the associated memory storing an electricalconnectivity priority list which is accessible by the illuminationcontroller and which contains at least a first, second and thirdpriority electrical connection between the first electrical supplyinput, second electrical supply input and the third electrical supplyinput. For each of the first, second and third priority electricalconnection, the list includes an associated light output illuminationlevel for motion. The controller is further operable to select aselected electrical input to connect to the plurality of LEDs of the atleast one luminaire lamp head, one of the first electrical supply input,second electrical supply input and third electrical supply input. Suchselection is based upon the detected characteristic of at least one ofthe first electrical supply input, second electrical supply input andthird electrical supply input, and the electrical connectivity prioritylist. Additionally, the controller, upon receipt of a motion detectsignal, is operative to selectively connect the selected electricalinput selected from the first electrical supply input, the secondelectrical supply input and the third electrical supply input, to theplurality of LEDs of the at least one luminaire lamp head. Thecontroller further adjust the illumination level of the plurality ofLEDs of the at least one luminaire lamp head to the associated lightoutput illumination level for motion stored in the electricalconnectivity priority list.

These implementations may include at least one or more of the followingfeatures.

In some implementations, the security light may have an electricalconnectivity priority list which is stored in associated memoryaccessible to the illumination controller within the outdoor securitylight. In still further implementations, a remote server may be includedwhich is in electronic communication with the illumination controller ofthe outdoor security light, wherein the electrical connectivity prioritylist is communicated to the illumination controller from a remoteserver. In even further examples, the electrical connectivity prioritylist may further include for each of the first, second and thirdpriority electrical connection, an associated light output illuminationlevel for: non-motion and a motion on-duration value representing a timeamount the at least one luminaire lamp head is illuminated upondetection of motion.

Some implementations may include the security light having user inputpanel, the user input panel providing an over-ride selection forillumination intensity, the over-ride selection for illuminationintensity read by the illumination controller and replacing at least oneof the first, second and third priority electrical connectionsassociated light output illumination level for motion.

In still further such examples, the security light utilizes anillumination controller, after selectively connecting the plurality ofLEDs of the at least one luminaire lamp head to one of the electricalsupply inputs, is operable to continue to detect the detectedcharacteristic of at least one of the electrical supply inputs.

Other such implementations may also utilize an illumination controller,after selectively connecting the plurality of LEDs of the at least oneluminaire lamp head to one of the electrical supply inputs, continues todetect the detected characteristic of each of the electrical supplyinputs.

In such implementations, the illumination controller may optionally beconfigured to selectively disconnect and re-connect the plurality ofLEDs of the at least one luminaire lamp head to one of the electricalsupply inputs based upon: the detected characteristic of at least one ofthe electrical supply inputs and the electrical connectivity prioritylist. Other options include the illumination controller's selectivere-connection of the at least one luminaire lamp head includingmodification of the associated light output illumination level formotion associated with the selected electrical supply.

In some implementations, the detected electrical characteristic isvoltage. In such implementations, the illumination controller may beconnected to at least one switch operable to connect the plurality ofLEDs of the at least one luminaire lamp head to one of the firstelectrical supply input, second electrical supply input and thirdelectrical supply input.

The present disclosure also sets forth an outdoor security light withmultiple power sources, the security light including a luminaire housinghaving at least one luminaire lamp head adjustably connected to theluminaire housing, the at least one lamp head having a plurality ofLEDs. The security light can have an illumination controllerelectrically connected to a first electrical supply input, a secondelectrical supply input and a third electrical supply input and operableto detect electricity as well as an electrical characteristic suppliedat each of the first electrical supply input, second electrical supplyinput and third electrical supply input.

For example, the illumination controller can be an MCU or othermicroprocessor capable of receiving various inputs and providingmultiple outputs. The controller may have access to memory where storedinstructions are included for controlling the operation of the securitylight corresponding to the various features and functions set forthherein.

Further, the illumination controller is operable to selectively connectthe plurality of LEDs of the at least one lamp head to one of the firstelectrical supply input, second electrical supply input and thirdelectrical supply input. For example, the selective connection may bebased upon a sensed characteristic of at least one of the firstelectrical supply input, second electrical supply input and thirdelectrical supply input.

For example, the illumination controller may receive voltage inputs formeasurements at each of the electrical supply inputs to determine ifelectricity is provided at those input. Alternatively, the illuminationcontroller may measure current or other electrical characteristic whichindicates connection of an adequate power supply.

In some implementations, the first electrical supply input isconnectable to a line voltage power line, the second electrical supplyinput is connectable to a rechargeable battery connected to aphotovoltaic cell and the third electrical supply input is connectableto at least one replaceable backup battery system retained within theluminaire housing.

Further, the third electrical supply may be considered a backupelectrical supply and is connected, upon detection of a power failurecondition of the first and second power supply, to a backup set of LEDs.

Still further, the luminaire housing of the security light may beremovably connectable to a housing mount. The housing mount can supplylow voltage electricity to the luminaire housing as the first electricalsource input which is converted from a higher line voltage AC source.

These implementations may include at least one or more of the followingfeatures.

In some implementations, the outdoor security light may read the sensedcharacteristic as a voltage. In other implementations, the illuminationcontroller is connected to at least one switch operable to connect theplurality of LEDs of the at least one lamp head to one of the firstelectrical supply input, second electrical supply input and thirdelectrical supply input.

In still further examples, the illumination controller may be operableto connect the load to mixed power from the first electrical supplyinput, second electrical supply input and third electrical supply input.In some implementations this may be operable to conserve battery life orreduce dependence on any particular electrical supply input.

In some examples, the outdoor security light may have a rechargeablebattery and photovoltaic cell which are integrated with or remote fromthe luminaire housing and removably connected to the luminaire by apluggable wire.

In other examples, the outdoor security light may further include aremovably attachable power line connecting the rechargeable battery andphotovoltaic cell to the luminaire housing. In still others, the entireremote solar charging station may be integrated within the luminairehousing.

In variations, the outdoor security light may have a rechargeablebattery which is located in the luminaire housing and is in electricalconnectivity with the photovoltaic cell.

In other variations, a voltage regulator circuit may be provided toreduce the voltage of electricity prior to the first electrical supplyinput.

In still further implementations, the outdoor security light may have anillumination controller which selects the selectable connection to theplurality of LEDs of the first electrical supply input, the secondelectrical supply input and the third electrical supply input. Furtherimplementations may include a user selection input at the illuminationcontroller, wherein the user selection input over-rides thepredetermined electrical source selection.

In other aspects, the outdoor security light has a luminaire housingwith a first portion and a second portion, the first portionrotationally connected to the second portion. Still furtherimplementations may include a housing mount, the housing mount removablyreceiving the luminaire housing first portion.

In alternative implementations, the disclosure herein sets forth anoutdoor security light with optional electrical connection having aluminaire housing having at least one adjustable lamp head, the at leastone adjustable lamp head having a plurality of LEDs, a first electricalsource input, a second electrical source input and a third electricalsource input. The first electrical source input is connectable to a linevoltage source, the second electrical source input is connectable to arechargeable battery source, and the third electrical source input isconnectable to a backup battery source.

In such implementation, the rechargeable battery source is electricallyconnected to a photovoltaic cell and is removably electricallyconnectable to the second electrical source input. Further, anillumination controller may be electrically connected to the firstelectrical source input, the second electrical source input and thethird electrical source input. In such implementation, the illuminationcontroller is operable to connect one of the first electrical sourceinput, the second electrical source input and the third electricalsource input, to the plurality of LEDs of the at least one adjustablelamp head. The selective connection between the load of the LEDs and thepower supply may be based upon a sensed characteristic of at least oneof the first electrical source input, the second electrical source inputand the third electrical source input.

In some implementations, the sensed characteristic may be a voltage. Inothers, the sensed characteristic may be current. In still furtherimplementations the sensed characteristic which indicates the presenceof an electrical supply.

In variations, the outdoor security light may include a first switch, asecond switch and a third switch wherein each of the first switch, thesecond switch and the third switch are connected and controlled by theillumination controller. In such implementations, the first switch isbetween the first electrical source input and the plurality of LEDs, thesecond switch is between the second electrical source input and theplurality of LEDs, the third switch is between the third electricalsource input and the plurality of LEDs. In such variations, theillumination controller is operable to open and close each of the firstswitch, the second switch and the third switch based upon any of thesensed characteristics.

For example, in such implementations, the first switch, second switchand third switch are each MOSFETs. In others, known switches for openingand closing the circuit to the optionally selected power supply may beutilized and controlled by the illumination controller.

In options, the rechargeable battery and photovoltaic cell are remotefrom the luminaire housing. Still further options may include aremovably attachable power line connecting the rechargeable battery andphotovoltaic cell of the remote solar charging station to the luminairehousing.

Some implementations may include a rechargeable battery which is in theluminaire housing and is electrically connected to the photovoltaic cellof the remote solar charging station. Still further variations mayinclude a voltage regulator to reduce the voltage of the electricalconnection from the line voltage source and is connected to the firstelectrical source input. For example, line voltage power supply may bereceived from the junction box and be adjusted by a voltage and/orcurrent regulator, among some electrical modifications.

In still further implementations, the outdoor security light may have anillumination controller which selects the connection first electricalsource input, the second electrical source input and the thirdelectrical source input, to the plurality of LEDs. In suchimplementations, automatic selection of the connection of the firstelectrical source input to the plurality of LEDs may be implemented.

Further variations may include a user selection input, wherein a userinput interface is included on the housing to select the electricalconnection or provided wirelessly through a user interface on a userdevice which may communicate with the outdoor security lightillumination controller. Some communications may be through wirelesscommunications on a peer to peer level. Other communications may be froma server which sends operating instructions to the illuminationcontroller through various communication means.

In still further implementations disclosed herein, a method ofcontrolling an outdoor security light is disclosed which includessensing, by an illumination controller, an electrical characteristic ata first electrical source input, a second electrical source input and athird electrical source input. Based upon the sensed electricalcharacteristic, the system may connect one of the first electricalsource input, the second electrical source input and the thirdelectrical source input, to a plurality of LEDs in at least one lamphead of the security light. The first electrical source input iselectrically connected to a line voltage input, the second electricalsource input is connected to a remote solar charging station having arechargeable battery, and the third electrical source input iselectrically connected to a local battery source and act as a backuppower supply.

The method further includes sensing of the electrical characteristicwhich includes at least sensing a first voltage at the first electricalsource input. In implementations, the sensing of the electricalcharacteristic further includes sensing a second voltage at the secondelectrical source input and sensing a third voltage at a thirdelectrical source input. In still further implementations, the sensingof the electrical characteristic includes detecting at least one ofvoltage or current. In such implementations, the connecting furtherincludes: connecting the first electrical source to the plurality ofLEDs when the sensed first voltage meets a predetermined minimumcondition.

In further such implementations, when the sensed first voltage meets apredetermined condition, the method further determines if the sensedsecond voltage meets a second predetermined condition; when the sensedsecond voltage meets the second predetermined condition, connecting thesecond electrical source input to the plurality of LEDs.

Further, the implementations includes that when the sensed secondvoltage does not meet the second predetermined condition, determining ifthe sensed third voltage meets a third predetermined condition; when thesensed third voltage meets the third predetermined condition, connectingthe third electrical source input to the plurality of LEDs.

In some of these implementations, the method may further includedetecting that the sensed electrical characteristic for the firstelectrical source and the second electrical source meets a predeterminedcondition. For example, the predetermined condition may be a poweroutage condition or a low voltage condition. Upon such detection, thesystem may connect a subset of the plurality of LEDs to the thirdelectrical source input.

In some aspects, meeting the predetermined condition can be sensing ormeasuring a voltage and determining if the voltage meets a predeterminedminimum value. In other implementations, the sensed predeterminedcondition can be sensing a maximum predetermined condition. Still evenfurther implementations can include meeting a predetermined conditionbased upon sensing another electrical characteristic such as current orimpedance and the predetermined condition can be a predeterminedcondition indicating that the connected power supply meets a standardviable requirement to energize the LEDs which represent the load.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the sameparts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles of the disclosure

FIG. 1A is a side assembled view of a rotationally adjustable outdoorsecurity light installed on an eave, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a side assembled view of a rotationally adjustable outdoorsecurity light installed on a side wall, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rotationally adjustable outdoorsecurity light connected to a side wall, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a rotationally adjustable outdoor securitylight connected to a solar battery panel, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a rear perspective view of the rotationally adjustablesecurity light of FIG. 2 with the rear panel removed, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a front view of the mount housing mounting plate, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are a rear perspective view of a rotationally adjustableoutdoor security light with the housing mount separated from theluminaire housing first and second portion, according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rotationally adjustable outdoorsecurity light, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is an enlarged sectional view of a collar portion of FIG. 7,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side perspective view of a control panel userinput of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing elements of the control circuits andsystem in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for priority list processing of input electricalsource from multiple sources along with associated illumination levels.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for the system described herein detecting whichof multiple power sources to select.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary table for an electrical connectivity prioritylist where multiple power sources are available and the respectiveassociated operating values for the selected electrical connection.

FIG. 13A is a portion of an exemplary associated priority circuitry fora backup connection and illumination of LEDs.

FIG. 13B is an additional exemplary associated priority circuitry forselecting one of multiple electrical power sources for the prioritizedelectrical connection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As depicted in the drawings, wherein like numbers denote like partsthroughout the several views, an adjustable outdoor security light 100in accordance with various embodiments will be described with referenceto the accompanying drawings. The outdoor security light may be mountedin multiple outdoor locations to provide illumination upon detection ofan environmental condition. The outdoor security light, due to thelocation of installation, may be mounted in a plurality of orientationsand connected to a plurality of electrical connections. Mounting of thesecurity light 100 may be implemented under various scenarios, and FIGS.1A and 1B illustrate two typical installations and orientations of thesecurity light 100 to display the overall adjustability with thesecurity light 100. In FIG. 1A the security light 100 is installed underan eave 1 in a horizontal installation and In FIG. 1B the security light100 is installed on a wall 2 in a vertical orientation against a wallsurface. The security light 100 in both orientations is adjustable so asto be forwardly directed to properly illuminate an area when turned onregardless of location of installation while also allowing the motionsensor to adequately view a motion sensing zone. Further, due to theoutdoor location and remote installation of the outdoor security light100, multiple sources of electrical connectivity may be provided. Theoutdoor security light may selectively connect to the multipleelectrical connections based upon a predetermined priority and alsoilluminate the lamp head illumination sources at associated illuminationlevels or characteristics based upon the selected electrical connection.Combining both variability of installation as well as variability ofelectrical connections increases the ease of installation and use of theoutdoor security light.

To allow the security light 100 to be mounted in multipleconfigurations, as best shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the security light 100includes a separated housing mount 102 and luminaire housing 104, whichmay be removably coupled to each other. Separation of the housing mount102 and the luminaire housing 104 improves the installation process ofthe security light 100 and increases variability of installationlocations. Turning to FIGS. 1A and 1B, direct mounting of a typical wallmount as depicted in FIG. 1B to an eave mount would not allow both thelamp head(s) and sensors to be properly oriented towards an illuminationzone and detection zone. Particularly, by simply reorienting theluminaire housing flat against the ceiling/eave, the sensor would not beoriented appropriately for detection of movement. Also, the lamp headsmay be limited in their adjustability due to low clearance of theceiling structure. However, providing both a separated housing mount incombination with a rotatable first and second portion 108/106 of aremovable security light luminaire housing 104 alleviates suchshortcomings.

Typical installation of the security light 100 set forth herein includesinitial installation of the housing mount 102 which is electricallyconnected to an electrical connection 4 within a junction box 3 in someimplementations. Separately, the security light luminaire housing 104 isremovably attached to the housing mount 102. The luminaire housing 104also has both a first portion 106 and a second portion 108, which arerotatable relative to each other, allowing for adjustability as depictedin FIGS. 1A and 1B. Separate installation of the housing mount 102 tothe fixed structure increases the ease of electrical connection andfixating its position. Further, the housing mount 102 may provideadditional and separated functionality, such as modification of theelectricity provided by the wired housing/structure to an adjusted lowvoltage DC. Hence, the housing mount 102 may provide direct and easymechanical and electrical connection of the luminaire housing 104 oncethe initial housing mount 102 is installed. Further, the luminairehousing may be rotatably adjusted for proper clearance and aiming ofboth the motion sensor(s) and lamp head(s). Hence, separating thehousing mount 102 from the rotatably adjustable security luminairehousing 104 improves both mechanical installation, electricalconnectivity and illumination of the illumination zone.

The security light housing 104 includes a rotational connection 118between first portion 106 and second portion 108. This rotationalconnection allows rotational adjustment between the two portions Inembodiments, the second portion 108 may be connected to the firstportion 106 via a rotatable connection that is angularly displacedbetween the two portions. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the luminairehousing 104 may include the luminaire housing first portion 106 and theluminaire housing second portion 108 which are rotatably securedtogether. For mounting purposes, the first portion 106 may be removablyattached to the housing mount 102, and the second portion 108 isrotatable relative to the first portion 106. For example, a user canrotate the second portion 108 180 degrees relative to the first portion106 to switch the security light 100 from a horizontal mounting surfaceas shown in FIG. 1A to a vertical mounting surface orientation as shownin FIG. 1B. Including the separated housing mount 102 and luminairehousing 104 increases the ease of installation of the wired electricalconnection to the housing mount 102 while allowing separate installationof the luminaire housing 104 directly to a mounting structure containingelectrical contacts. Thus, no additional wiring is necessary. Rotatableluminaire housing portions 106 and 108 further allow orientationmodifications for redirection of the lamp heads and motion sensors.

The rotatable connections allow rotation of the second portion 108relative to the first portion 106 so that a user may direct the motionsensor 110 and the light head toward desired locations. For example, therotational interface between the first portion and the second portionmay be along an angled rotational surface or interface 118. In suchembodiments, the angled rotational surface or interface 118 is angledrelative to a rear mounting plane 139 of the first portion 106. Theangled rotational surface 118 between the first portion and the secondportion allows the security light apparatus 100 disclosed to be mountedon different surfaces, horizontal or vertical, while allowing the lampheads and sensor heads to be properly directed outwards toward theillumination and the sensor/detection zone.

Electrical connectivity of the security light 100 may be implementedunder various scenarios, and FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate two typicalinstallations and orientations of the security light 100 to display theoverall installation position adjustability while also allowing multipleelectrical connections be made to the security light. In FIG. 1A thesecurity light 100 is installed under an eave 1 in a horizontalinstallation and In FIG. 1B the security light 100 is installed on awall 2 in a vertical orientation against a wall surface. In bothinstallations, the security light 100 may be attached to the housevoltage line 4 at the junction box 3. The security light may alsoinclude an additional electrical connection using the remote solarcharging station 114 which can be positioned remotely from theluminaire. Further, the security light 100 can include internalbatteries 160 to provide backup electrical connection when needed.

In various implementations, the security light 100 may include selectiveprioritization of electrical connectivity to the multiple powersupplies. For example, the security light may be connected to up tothree or more electrical connections. In the examples depicted, thesecurity light 100 may be connected to a junction box 3, a remote solarcharging station 114, as well as internal batteries 160. In someimplementations, the internal batteries may act as a battery backup whenother electrical connections become unavailable. The luminaire may alsoprovide prioritization of the electrical connectivity to each of theconnected power supplies. For example, the outdoor security light mayinclude an electrical connectivity priority list allowing the securitylight to connect to a particular electrical source but also provideassociated operating values for the selected power supply.

Detailed in FIGS. 8, 9 and 13A/B, exemplary electronic circuits,configurations and user interface is shown supporting the three variantelectrical supply inputs. Multiple electrical sources may be connectedto the security light and the system may selectively connect topreferred electrical sources. For example, the security light 100 may beconfigured to prioritize renewable electrical supply of the solarstation and illuminate at associated illumination characteristics whenselected. Alternatively, if the solar station supply is unavailable orexhausted, the system may select electrical supply from the junction boxwith other different associated illumination characteristics. Further,when no other electrical source is available, the system may select abackup internal battery power supply at further different associatedillumination characteristics. The disclosure of FIG. 9 is provided forschematic exemplary purposes only as many different configurations ofsupporting electronics and control systems may be utilized to implementsimilar features described herein.

The outdoor security light 100 may have an internal microprocessor/MCU200 which acts as the illumination or lighting controller. Thecontroller 200 in this example can receive as input multiple voltages orother electrical input signals which provide information as to thestatus of the connected power supplies. The illumination controller mayalso include memory 208 which stores user preferences and programinstructions. The illumination controller may also be connected tovarious communication modules and communication electronics. Forexample, the controller 200 can sense the status of an electricalcharacteristic for the connected first electrical supply input 201,second electrical supply input 203 and third electrical supply input205.

In some examples, the first electrical supply input could be anelectrical connection to the electrical cables 4 at the junction box 3to which the housing mount 102 is electrically connected. The electricalconnection to the housing mount allows the housing mount to modify theline voltage to any required electrical connection characteristic neededto further supply electricity to the various components of the securitylight 100. For example, the housing mount 102 may modify the inputelectrical connection from standard line voltage AC to a reduced lowvoltage DC to operate the internal security light electronics.Beneficially, by providing modification of the electrical connecting atthe housing mount 102 allows the connection interface between thehousing mount 102 and the luminaire housing 104 to be low voltageincreasing the ease of installation and design of the electricalinterface.

The illumination controller 200 may sense the electrical characteristicof the first electrical power supply prior to or after modification ofthe electricity within the housing mount. Alternatively, for example,the electrical characteristic of the first electrical power supply maybe taken after voltage regulation and at a sampling point where the lowvoltage DC electricity is provided to the luminaire housing orelectronics within the luminaire housing.

In other examples, the second electrical supply input 203 may be aremote solar charging station 114 and may include a rechargeable battery120 which is connected to a connection portal or input 146 on theluminaire housing via a wired connection 117. In still further examples,the rechargeable battery 120 of the remote solar charging station 114may be positioned on-board of the luminaire housing 104 or intermediatethereof. In some implementations, the remote solar charging station 114may be integrated into the structure to which the security light isattached or may be integrated into the security light housing 104. Asinstalled however it may be preferable to have the photovoltaic cells116 in direct sunlight separate from shadows or other obstructions.Positioning the photovoltaic cells on a roof or other stand-alone areamay provide increased charging conditions for the rechargeable battery120 of the remote solar charging system. Alternative constructions maybe implemented. For example, a photovoltaic power cell may be integratedinto the housing of the security light 100 or into a wall mounted powercell nearby. Depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4 and 7, a remote solar chargingstation 114 is provided having at least one photovoltaic cell 116 whichcharges a rechargeable battery 120 in the base 122 of the remote solarcharging station. The station is connected by wire or other electricalconnection 117 to the luminaire housing to provide an additional sourceof electrical supply input.

In still further examples, the third electrical supply input 205 may bea battery pack internal to the luminaire housing 104 such as, forexample, one or more replaceable backup battery system 160. The thirdelectrical supply input 205 may in some implementations be provided as apower source of last resort, wherein the electrical supply at thejunction box connected to the first electrical supply input has beendisconnected or is not available, and the rechargeable battery of thesolar charging station is depleted or below a nominal voltage or othervalue. The third electrical supply input is depicted in the embodimentof FIG. 5A as a plurality of batteries stored within the luminairehousing. However, the battery pack can be a singular battery or a remotestorage facility. In implementations, the replaceable backup batterysystem may act as a backup battery supply when all other electricalsupply options fail.

The illumination controller 200 may have a default lighting outputcharacteristic depending on which electrical supply input is connectedto the load of LEDs 210. For example, when the controller switchesconnection to the junction box first electrical supply input 201, theoutput lighting characteristic may be to illuminate each of theconnected lamp heads to a maximum output of 1000 lumens per lamp head.Alternatively, if the lighting controller 200 connects the load to theremote solar charging station supply 203, a default lightingcharacteristic may be to illuminate each lamp head at 750 lumens perlamp head. Finally, when the lighting controller 200 determines thatbackup electrical power supply 205 is required, the internal replaceablebackup battery system are connected to the LED load 210 and thecontroller 200 may utilize a lighting characteristic of up to 500 lumensoutput per lamp head.

As depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the lighting controller 200 may receivemultiple input signals including user input 1, 142, user input 2, 144and/or wireless input 202. These user input selections may be enteredfrom a dial, as shown in the example of the figures, or switch, slide orother selection device accessible to the user. Alternatively, user inputmay be received from a wireless transceiver 202 which receives userselections from a remote device, such as a smart phone or computer orinstructions from a server.

For example, user input interface may be provided on the outside of theluminaire housing such as dials 142, 144 shown in FIG. 8 or as userinput 1 204 and user input 2 206 shown in FIG. 9. As depicted, userpreference is provided for a lighting output characteristic ofbrightness at dial 144. Multiple modes may be selected by the user tomodify a lighting output characteristic. For example, a user selectedinput of HI may require all lamp heads be powered at a maximum level of1000 lumens per lamp head regardless of the associated illuminationcharacteristic for the selected power supply. Similar settings may beentered by the user for a Medium setting at 750 lumens per lamp head,Low at 500 lumens per lamp head, or an Economy mode, all of which setthe lighting output characteristic. The user selection of lightingoutput characteristics may over-ride a default automatic systemcharacteristic as outlined in an electrical connectivity priority list,discussed herein.

Similarly, user input 2 206 from dial 142 may include a dial accessibleby the user which sets On Time timer values if motion is detected by theoutdoor security light sensors. Settings may variably include 20seconds, 60 seconds or any desired amount. Such settings by the user,either through an external interface or received via command at wirelessinterface 202 may override associated default settings. Optionally, a“Wired Only” setting may be provided for dusk to dawn illumination. Whenthe security light is connected to a wired line voltage electricalconnection, dusk to dawn setting may also be provided and selected bythe user to override other associated detected connectivity options bythe controller.

In some implementations, each of these exemplary user input values mayrepresent other alternative operational input settings. For example, insome implementations the user may select lighting color. In otherimplementations, the user may optionally select and/or modify inputsensors to the controller 200. For example, user input may optionallyinclude modifications to motion sensor sensitivity. In still furtherexamples, user input may modify values associated with ambient lightsensitivity using a photometric sensor. Each user preference may besaved in the system memory 208. In implementations these preferencevalues may be stored in system memory 208 and be updated and/or modifiedby the user. Such modification may be through direct input on theluminaire housing, such as through dials 142, 144 or may be reflected inreceived data. For example, the communications module 202 may be awireless communication module capable of interfacing with a user device.Alternatively the communication module may communicate with a serverwhich transmits such user preferences per a user setting in a serveraccount.

While the term line voltage is utilized variously herein as a connectedpower supply for the security light, generally it reflects the desire tohave a “wired connection” to the residence or fixed electrical supplyfrom an external supply source. For example, a line voltage wiredconnection may be the electrical supply at the residence or buildingwhere the luminaire is installed. The wired connection may be throughthe junction box at a wired junction point of known house copper wiringcarrying 120 or higher VAC. However it does not have to be, nor is itmeant to limit to such specific electrical characteristic. Namely, itsimply means that the outdoor security light is connected by wire to afixed electrical source which is regularly maintained.

Lighting controller 200 receives various signal inputs and controls theoutput light of the LEDs 210. Other inputs may be received such as aphotocell to detect ambient light, as well as a motion sensor, such as aPIR, both of which may provide voltage or other electrical signals toone of the plurality of inputs of the MCU 200.

Memory 208 may also be incorporated into the control system containinginstructions for implementing the various features and functions notedherein as well as storage for user preferences, selections andoperational characteristics of the LEDs.

In operation and in some implementations, the lighting controller 200may utilize a voltage detect signal at each of the first, second andthird electrical supply inputs, 201, 203, 205. For example, a detectionnode at 215, 211 and 207 may provide signals to the controllerindicating the viable electrical connection and operability of each ofthe electrical supply inputs. For example, if a voltage signal isdetected at the various nodes, the controller may select an electricsupply input based upon a preferential list of connections. For example,if a voltage is detected at each voltage detection node, the controllermay automatically default to select electrical supply input 1, 201 whichmay represent a wired line voltage connection from the junction box.This detection node 215 may be positioned after voltage regulation ofthe electricity received from the junction box or prior to reduction ofvoltage to a low voltage supply at the mounting face of the housingmount.

Detection nodes 207, 211 and 215 may be variously located at tapsadjacent to the electrical supply inputs in the main luminaire housing.Alternatively, the detection nodes may be external and appropriatesignals provided either using a wired or wireless connection accessibleto the lighting controller. For example, the controller may samplerepresentative flag bits set by other electronics and/or circuits, eachof the bits indicating that an electrical supply input is active.

In some implementations, voltages may be detected at each of thedetection nodes 215, 211 and 207. Other electrical characteristics mayalso be detected at the nodes indicating that a viable electricalconnection exists at the power supply input. For example, the detectionnode may sample current, impedance or any other electricalcharacteristic indicating that a viable electrical supply is present.Corresponding circuits may be utilized at each of the detection nodes toprovide an appropriate signal to the MCU 200, set flag bits or in someway communicate the status to the controller. For example, multi-pincomparators and voltage reference signals may be utilized to detecteither the presence of electrical supply, under-voltage detection withina battery system or other alternative detection systems.

In operation, the controller 200 receives signals representative of theelectrical characteristics from the detection nodes 215, 211 and 207 andselects a power supply to connect to the load, namely the LEDs 210. Forexample, switches 217, 213 and 209 may be electrically connected to thecontroller 200 allowing the controller to connect a selected electricalsupply input to the LEDs. For example, MOSFETs, gates, latching relays,triacs or other switch or combination thereof may be utilized toselectively connect a selected power supply and later implementelectrical connectivity to the load 210.

For example, a default selected electrical supply input may be wiredconnection/line voltage at electrical supply input 201 after sensing anappropriate signal at detection node 215. Switch 217 may be selected andactivated while switches 213 and 209 may be kept open. Alternatively, ifthe detection node 215 fails to detected electrical connectivity of thepower supply at electrical supply input 201, a secondary supply 203 maybe elected. Supply 203 may be the solar charging station rechargeablebattery, if connected. Alternatively, if no appropriate signal isdetected at detection nodes 215, 211, the on-board replaceable backupbattery system may be connected to the load, a part of the load or aseparate backup load/LED set which operate at a lower power drain.

The default connection may be modified by the user through user input204/206 or through wireless input 202. For example, a user may elect tocontinually use the rechargeable battery in the solar charging station203 and switch to a wired connection 201 once the sensed electricalcharacteristic at 211 falls below a predetermined value. For example, insome implementations, the controller may receive input to select thesolar charging station 114 as the first priority electrical supply inputand continually monitor the rechargeable battery 120. In someimplementations, upon reaching a predetermined battery storage level,the controller 200 may switch to a second priority electrical supplyinput. The user may further over-ride a default selection of thecontroller to require a particular order of electrical supply inputselection. For example, the controller may have a defined order ofelectrical supply input selection of wired input at 201, rechargeableinput at 203 and backup system power at 205. A user setting however mayover-ride or modify such selection order. Such user setting may bestored in memory 208. For example, a user selection setting may set outthat the remote soar charging station is the first priority electricalsupply input, with the wired connection 201 as the second priorityelectrical supply input and replaceable backup battery system at 205 areto be used as the third priority electrical supply input.

A default or user supplied input may also elect a defined lightingcharacteristic output be utilized when the various electrical supplyinput is selected. Such characteristic may reduce or increase the lightoutput intensity. For example, associated with each defined priorityelectrical supply input, an associated output illumination level formotion may be defined. Other associated illumination characteristics mayalso be defined for the selected priority electrical supply input suchas output illumination level for non-motion, motion on timerillumination value or other associated values for the selected priorityelectrical supply input. For example, a table of Electrical ConnectivityPriority list may be stored in associated memory 208, such as the tableoutlined in FIG. 12.

For example, in an exemplary installation, the luminaire 100 isconnected to the house electrical power supply as the first electricalsupply input 201. Additionally, the remote solar charging station 114may be positioned remotely to allow recharging during the day of thebattery 120 and be electrically connected to the housing 104 via remoteconnection line 117. Replaceable backup battery system 160 may beprovided internally within the luminaire housing as a backup batterysupply, each of which may be accessed and recharged or replaced as theyare depleted. Controller 200 may regularly measure voltage signals attaps 207, 211 and 215 to determine the connectivity of the individualpower supply and the health of such power supply. According to defaultlist of electrical connectivity priority, the controller may activateone of the plurality of switches 209, 213 and 217 to connect theoptionally selected power supply to the load along with the illuminationand operation characteristics associated with the selected electricalconnection.

In some implementations, the controller may also allow for contributionof power from the various power supplies 201, 203 and 205. For example,the controller may optionally select as a default the rechargeablebattery at power supply 203 while also contributing a portion of drivingelectricity from the wired power supply 201. In such a manner thecontroller may be operable to extend the life of the rechargeablebattery and/or allow contribution of electricity from any of the threepower supplies. For example, a situation may arise wherein more currentmay be provided to the load of LEDs than the output current rating ofthe batteries at the available and connected power supply. In someimplementations, connection of two or more power supplies in parallelmay deliver the desired current to the load. Known methods of connectingmore than one power supply to the load may be implemented. For example,paralleling multiple power supplies may be accomplished using componentsrequired for proper load regulation and maintaining appropriate outputcurrent to the load.

For example, in one implementation, the controller 200 may elect theremote solar power station to be the default power supply. In someimplementations, the controller may maintain a low level of lighting orno lighting by the LEDs. Upon detection of motion, the controller maybegin or significantly increase the light output levels. In suchimplementations, the controller may seek to seek contribution of thepower supply from a connected wired electrical source at wired supplyinput 201 so as not to drain the rechargeable battery. In someimplementations, the controller may implement such electricalcontribution for a limited amount of time, for example during theMOTION-ON duration of the high intensity output. In someimplementations, the controller may implement electrical contribution atspecific LEDs or lap heads. Controller 200 may seek power contributionfrom any of the power supplies 201, 203 and 205.

In some implementations, the outdoor security light 100 is set forillumination only during a detected environmental condition. Forexample, a motion sensor 110 positioned on the luminaire housing 104 maysignal motion near the installation. The security light may be connectedto multiple electrical power supplies but the security light mayilluminate only upon detection of motion. Various illuminationcharacteristics may be utilized adjusting or modifying the illuminationcharacteristic based upon the selected electrical power supply. Themotion sensor may provide a signal input to the illumination controller200 as shown in the various examples.

Other sensors may similarly be provided on the luminaire housing toprovide input to the illumination controller 200. For example,photometric sensor may be similarly positioned on the exterior of thehousing indicating sunset allowing the luminaire to illuminate the lampheads 112A, 112B at a predetermined illumination characteristic.

In some implementations, an electrical connectivity priority list may bemaintained within memory 208 or implemented through controllercircuitry. For example, in FIG. 12, a prioritized list of PriorityElectrical Connections may be maintained with associated outputillumination levels as well as other associated data for each element inthe list. For example, a prioritized list of preferred electricallyconnections may be maintained and adjusted by the user. As an example,electrical supplies 201, 203 and 205 may be available to the luminaire.The priority electrical connection in the electrical connectivitypriority list may define the order of electrical connectivity of each ofthe electrical supplies. For example, Electrical Input 1 in the PriorityElectrical Connection may be electrical supply 203, the remote solarstation. Electrical Input 2 may be selected as the wired electricalconnection 201 and the electrical input 3 may be the onboard backupbattery supply 205. Each of the priority electrical connections in thepriority list may also be associated with output illumination levels formotion, non-motion, On-Timer and other associated values for theselected electrical input. Further, each of these values may be adjustedor selected by the user or, alternatively, over-ridden by a userselected setting in the user interface.

By utilizing such electrical connectivity priority list, the presentlydescribed system, method and apparatus may utilize may forms ofprioritization for each of the electrical connections. As shown, oneimplementation may be the table of FIG. 12 maintained within systemmemory and accessible to the controller or other hardware. Similarly,prioritization of the electrical connections may also be implemented inpurely circuit form, such as aspects of associated priority circuitry.In application and as described herein, some implementations may use acombination of predetermined priority, such as the described tables, andthe associated priority circuitry. In other implementations,prioritization may be implemented solely through associated prioritycircuitry whereby each electrical connection is prioritized over otherelectrical connections. However, such implementations are mean to fallwithin the description and use of the terms of either priorityelectrical connections, associated priority circuitry, and similar termsused herein to infer a prioritization of the connected electricalsupplies.

For example, the default priority electrical connection may beElectrical Input 1 is the rechargeable battery 203, Electrical Input 2is the line voltage junction box connection and Electrical Input 3 isthe battery back 205. Associated Output Illumination Levels for Motionmay be stored for each of the priority connections, such as 750 lumensfor Electrical Input 1 (the rechargeable battery 203), 1000 lumens forElectrical Input 2 (the junction box, wired connection), and 500 orfewer lumens for Electrical Input 3 (the backup batteries). When set tooperate accordingly, other associated values may similarly be stored inthe electrical connectivity priority list of FIG. 12, such as OutputIllumination Level for Non-Motion, Motion On Timer and other values suchas color temperature. For example, a higher intensity color temperaturemay be selected for each of the settings. Each of these values may bestored in system memory 208 or may be implemented through associatedpriority circuitry, as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 13A/B.

In some implementations, the associated priority circuitry may be asdepicted with the controller 200 of FIG. 9 as well as various sensors,memory and other elements. In some implementations, MCU 200 may receiveas input multiple sensor voltages and signals and control output.Circuitry depicted in FIGS. 13A/B may be integrated in variousimplementations with an MCU for input and control of the variousfunctionality described herein. For example, switches 209 213 217 may bereplaced with logic wherein diodes are reverse biased upon output of thesolar panel circuit at a predefined voltage, say for example 18V whereinoutput from the conversion at the line voltage line may be 20V. Forexample, as depicted in FIG. 13B, diodes D8, D9 allow fora defaultselection by the associated priority circuitry located within the systemcircuit board and through control in combination with an MCU. Otherimplementations of course are available for aspects of associatedpriority circuitry for selection, control of output illuminationcharacteristics, duration, polling, motion signal detection and control,backup detection, power failure or outage, and the like.

Other aspects and implementations of the associated priority circuitryare implemented, either through instructions stored in associated memory208 or in circuits or in a combination of both. For example, in someimplementations, LEDs 210 may be subdivided into a subset of backupLEDs. Upon detection by the controller 200 that there are batteriesconnected at sampling point 207 from the third power supply 205, andwhen neither line voltage or remote solar station voltage (or otherdetected characteristic) are available at 201, 203, the controller mayilluminate only a wired subset of the LEDs 210 that are backup LEDs. Thesubset of LEDs within the LEDs 210 may be a separate wired bank of LEDsthat are only illuminated by the backup power supply 205, oralternatively may be a switched subset bank of LEDs which are powered byall electrical connections. Such backup electrical source illuminationmay, in some examples, be activated via energizing gate of Q12 depictedin FIG. 13A and presented at a lower lumen output and hence, lower loadand drain on the batteries. Further, as previously outlined, suchactivation of the backup LED subset CN9-1, CN9-2, CN9-3 may operate onlyon detection MOTION ON signals.

For example, a separate backup subset of LEDs such as CN9-1, CN9-2,CN9-3 may be a backup LED subset part of the associated prioritycircuitry which are activated only upon detection of a power outagecondition at PS1 201 and PS2 203. Such power fail condition could bedetection of low or no voltage at sampling nodes previously described.In such a condition, switch Q12 activates illuminating the backup subsetof LEDs at a lower voltage upon detection of a motion sense or MOTION ONsignal. Variations in implementation may be incorporated in such design.For example, while a separate set of LEDs CN9-1, CN9-2, CN9-3 aredepicted as being connected to the backup power supply PS3 205, aswitched subset of the LEDs 210 may also be used for backupillumination, the subset of LEDs utilized as backup LEDs also accessiblein regular or other default illumination. Further implementationmodifications may incorporate backup illumination at times other thanwhen motion is detected such as, for example, at dusk, upon receipt ofan ACTIVE ON signal either through use of a user interface or receivedvia wireless command or other alternative illumination requirements.

The system configuration of FIG. 9 may be combined with various circuitdetails required implement the aspects outlined herein. For example, theassociated priority circuitry of FIG. 13 may be utilized within thesystem of FIG. 9 as well as aspects of portions of the system operationmay be further replaced with additional circuit elements.

In various implementations, the controller may be operable, by executingprogram instructions stored in system memory 208 or through dedicatedassociated priority circuitry or a combination thereof, of executing amethod for controlling an outdoor security light. The method mayincorporate various steps and process elements, as are outlined in FIGS.10, 11. For example, in aspects, the system includes sensing, at step402, by the illumination controller, an electrical characteristic at afirst electrical source input, a second electrical source input and athird electrical source input. The sensed electrical characteristic mayinclude sensing a voltage, current, impedance or any other measurableaspects of the power supply which would indicated that the power supplyis a viable supply to power the load, namely the LEDs of the lamp heads.For example, the controller may read voltage measurements at variouspoints along the power supply control line. Backup battery power or adedicated battery power source may be provided on board of the systemmotherboard to energize such preliminary logic operations to initiallydetect electrical characteristics before a power source is selected orduring any of the operations herein.

Based upon the sensed electrical characteristic, the method may furtherinclude at step 404 selecting one of the first electrical source input,the second electrical source input and the third electrical sourceinput. Each of the three electrical source inputs may have an associatedpriority circuitry as defined by the system circuitry or within anelectrical connectivity priority list. In implementations, the systemmay be designed to provide such selection either through executing codebuy the controller, stored in system memory 208, detailing suchselection process. Alternatively, the system circuit design mayincorporate aspects of the associated priority circuitry to perform suchselection. Even further implementations may combine aspects of anassociated priority circuitry and system controller 200 with associatedinstructions.

In some implementations, at step 406, the system may then connect themotion sensor and/or other circuitry to the selected electricalconnection from the first, second or third electrical input. Upondetection of a motion signal by the motion sensor at step 408, thesystem may connect a plurality of LEDs in at least one lamp head of thesecurity light to the selected electrical connection. The system maythen illuminate the light sources at an associated light outputillumination level for the selected electrical connection at step 410.At step 412, the controller or other implementation circuitry maydiscontinue illumination of the light sources after a predeterminedperiod of time. The predetermined period of time during illumination maybe a global setting or may be associated with the particular selectedelectrical supply.

In some aspects, the sensing of the electrical characteristic includesat least sensing a first voltage at the first electrical source input.In implementations, the sensing of the electrical characteristic furtherincludes sensing a second voltage at the second electrical source inputand sensing a third voltage at a third electrical source input. Forexample, in such implementations the sensed voltages may be required tomeet a minimum voltage requirement before the controller connects theelectrical source input to the LEDs. Alternatively, circuit elements, asshown or described herein, may implement such selective connectivity.For example, diodes or switches may connect and/or disconnect variouspower supplies to the load.

In still further implementations as shown in FIG. 11, the method mayinclude detecting at step 420 each of the 1^(st), 2^(nd), and 3^(rd)electrical inputs in a predetermined order. The detecting/sensing of theelectrical characteristic includes detecting at least one of voltage orcurrent. In such implementations, the connecting further includesselecting the first electrical source when the sensed first voltagemeets a predetermined detected minimum condition or threshold, asoutlined at step 422. In such further implementations, when the sensedfirst voltage fails to meet a predetermined condition, the methodfurther determines if the sensed second voltage meets a secondpredetermined condition; when the sensed second voltage meets the secondpredetermined condition, selecting the second electrical source input.Further, the implementations includes that when the sensed secondvoltage does not meet the second predetermined condition or threshold,determining if the sensed third voltage meets a third predeterminedcondition; when the sensed third voltage meets the third predeterminedcondition, selecting the third electrical source input. If suchdetection and selection is conducted in a predefined priority order, insome implementations, once the condition or threshold is met, the systemmay discontinue detecting at the remaining electrical inputs at step424.

In still further implementations however detecting each of the 1^(st),2^(nd) and 3^(rd) electrical inputs may continue during operation of theoutdoor security light. The steps outlined in FIG. 11 may be repeatedafter a predetermined period of time. Repeated polling of the taps foreach of the power supplies may be desired to detect failures at each ofthe power supplies to ensure automatic swapping of power supplies duringsuch failure. For example, when an automatic swapping circuit is notemployed, as is disclosed in FIG. 13, the controller 200 may regularlypoll the electrical characteristic. Also, for example, when the selectedelectrical input set forth in the electrical connectivity priority list,is not a source having a higher priority, continued polling anddetection of the higher priority source allows the system to switch backto the higher order source input. For example, the highest order sourceof Electrical Input 1 in the list of FIG. 12 is the second power supplyPS2 203 which represents the remote solar cell. Upon the solar cellbattery depleting, the system will automatically swap to ElectricalInput 2 of the priority list PS1 201 by virtue of continued detectionand selection of the system, or as a result of the associated prioritycircuitry, or a combination a both. The system may continue to poll thehealth of the tap for PS2, representing the higher order ElectricalInput 1 in the priority list, to switch back to the preferred sourcewhen it becomes available.

While FIGS. 9 and 13 depict exemplary configurations of a controller andcircuit connections for the outdoor security light described herein,many modifications and alternative circuits and components may beutilized. For example, dedicated application specific integratedcircuits may be customized for particular use in receiving various inputsignals and providing necessary output signals for driver control, loadcontrol and also control and selection of a power supply for theluminaire.

As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4, the remote solar charging station 114may include photovoltaic cells (PVC) 116, and may be connectable to thesecurity light 100 by plugging a removable power transfer cord 117 intoa solar panel input on the luminaire housing 104. The solar chargingstation 114 may include at least one rechargeable battery or other powerstorage 120, which fits within a base 122. In some embodiments, thephotovoltaic cells 116 are utilized to charge the rechargeable battery120 contained within the station. The rechargeable battery of the remotestation 114 may be operably connected to the second electrical supplyinput 203.

In various embodiments, the solar charging station 114 may be directlyadjacent with the security light 100 or may be positioned remotelytherefrom. In some embodiments, the solar charging station 114 may bemounted in a location which is more conducive to collection of sunlighton the PVC 116. For example, the charging station 114 may be a remotecharging station positioned on the roof 7 of a structure while thesecurity light 100 may be positioned underneath of the eave 1 where thesun would not regularly be available for charging of the batteries.Thus, in some configurations, a remote installation for the chargingstation 114, such as on the roof 7, is efficient for charging the powersupply.

As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4, the cells 116 may be hingedly affixedto the base 122 by a hinged connection and arm 126 so that the PVC 116may be optimized to be directed towards the sun during the day.Adjustment allows maximizing conversion of the sunlight to electricityfor the charging cycle of the rechargeable battery 120 and power supplyof the security light 100. The arm and hinged connection 126 may furtherbe rotatable on the base to allow for two axis adjustments of the PVC116. The base 122 may also include appropriate attachment mechanisms toaffix directly to a wide variety of structures and configurations (e.g.a roof, a wall, etc.). For example, the base may mechanically attach toa structure via screws, may be frictionally attached to a surface,Velcro or other systems/connections to removably or permanently attachone or all of the parts of the station 114 to a structure remote fromthe luminaire 100.

The remote solar charging station 114 may incorporate the PVC 116 ofsufficient size in order to recharge the rechargeable battery 120 inorder to appropriately power the lamp head 112 and power the associatecontroller electronics and sensors. The rechargeable battery 120 issized sufficiently to power the control electronics and the load fordesired illumination characteristics when motion is detected as well asto provide illumination under normal operating conditions. For example,in various embodiments, an arrangement of the PVC 116 having an area ofabout 200 cm2 and a standard or average efficiency of 16% may create 12watt-hours of electricity which can be stored in the rechargeablebattery 120 on a day having 4 hours of sunlight. Depending upon theconfiguration of specific lamp head 112 or multiple lamp heads, andconsidering the number of times the system is activated by the motionsensor 110, the system may allow for activation of the lamp head 112about 15-30 times a night which may utilize approximately 4 watt-hours.The rechargeable battery 120 may have a battery storage requirement thatis sufficient to appropriately store 12 watt-hours or more, even withsuccessive non-sunny days.

In some embodiments, the base 122 of the solar charging station 114 mayinclude charging circuits and related controllers. In embodiments,charging circuits may be integrated with the rechargeable battery 120and the remote solar charging station 114. Such charging circuits mayinclude known techniques for receiving the low voltage from the PVC 116which may be anywhere between single volt up to a standard 12 volts,depending on the number of cells respectively connected together.Typically, individual cells produce an open circuit voltage of about 0.5to 0.6 volts at 78° F. This voltage and the associated current aremanaged by a charging circuit or other electronics for properregulation, modulation, and/or modification for trickle charging of therechargeable battery. The remote solar charging base electronics furtherprotect the rechargeable battery 120 from overcharging, monitor batterycharge levels and temperature, report levels to a controller and limitinput and output current to the various parts of the system. The solarcharging station 114, while disclosed as being remote from the securitylight 100, may alternatively be affixed to the security light 100 inother implementations. The electronics positioned within the base 122may also be incorporated within the security light 100 and controlsignals transferred therefrom by the associated power transfer cord 117.For example, monitoring of the battery, charging and performance may beconducted remotely by the controller 200 instead of dedicatedelectronics at the remote charging station 114.

In some embodiments, the security light 100 also includes an interiorreplaceable backup battery system compartment in case of powerinterruption. For example, as best shown in FIG. 5A, single or multiplebatteries 160 may be provided within the luminaire housing 104. Thebatteries 160 provide a third power supply 205 to the security light 100and are in electrical communication with the controller 200. Thebatteries 160 may be a standard alkaline battery or may be otherreplaceable battery systems, such as a rechargeable Lithium Ion powerstorage source. The battery backup system are insertable into theluminaire housing 104 or kept in close proximity thereof for use whenthe junction box 3 and/or the solar charging station 114 haveinsufficient power to appropriately energize the security light 100and/or other load factors. For example, when there is an outage of thewired voltage connection at the junction box 3 and the voltage level ofthe rechargeable battery 120 in the solar charging station 114 isdetermined to be too low, the security light 100 may operate using thebattery 160. In some implementations, such operation may be in a reducedlighting level. The first lamp head 112A and the second lamp head 112Bmay operate independently (e.g., only one lamp head may be activated)when powered by the battery 160 to further reduce energy consumption andextend the life of the batteries 160. Batteries 160 depicted in FIG. 5Aare typical alkaline batteries for discussion purposes only.Rechargeable battery packs may, in combination or instead of, be placedinterior to the housing to reduce the total footprint of the batterycompartment as typically rechargeable batteries 160 may require lesscompartment space than alkaline or other standard batteries.

In various alternative installation embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 6A,wiring may be done with a wiring quick connect harness 128 a may beconnected to the AC line 4 from the junction box, the quick connect plugallowing ready AC line connection to the interior AC connection line 152leading into the housing mount 102 for conversion to low voltage. Thequick connect plug/harness 128 a may be a two piece connection commonlyused wherein the line 152 leads through a grommet connection in the backwall 150 to prevent water intrusion. The connection line 152 may then beconverted to low voltage which is then provided to the electricalinterface between mount 102 and housing 104.

In some alternative embodiments, there may be a secondary and separatebackup power compartment, in addition to the batteries 160, operablyconnected to critical electrical components of the security light 100.Such secondary battery may be utilized for maintaining memory or remotecontrol and/or communication functionality during a power failure and inthe instance of a low battery condition for the other battery basedpower supplies. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, a power storage deviceor battery 128 b may be held in a cavity of the base portion of thehousing mount 102, and the controller 200 and communication electronicsmay be powered by such an alternative electrical supply forcommunication purposes with a user device or for other criticaloperations. Alternatively, a minimum set of electronics may beidentified within the security light 100 which receive voltage for apredetermined time period.

To allow the security light 100 to be mounted in multipleconfigurations, as best shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the security light 100includes a separated housing mount 102 and luminaire housing 104, whichmay be removably coupled to each other. Providing both a separatedhousing mount in combination with a rotatable first and second portionof a removable security light luminaire housing increases installationpositions and configurations.

Typical installation of the security light 100 set forth herein includesinitial installation of the housing mount 102 which is electricallyconnected to an electrical connection 4 within a junction box 3. Thesecurity light luminaire housing 104 may be removably attached to thehousing mount 102. The luminaire housing 104 also has both a firstportion 106 and a second portion 108, which are rotatable relative toeach other. Separate installation of the housing mount 102 to a fixedstructure increases the ease of electrical connection and fixatingposition for both the housing mount and installation of the luminairebody. Further, the housing mount 102 may provide additional andseparated functionality, such as modification of the electricityprovided by the wired housing/structure to an adjusted low voltage DC.Housing mount 102 may provide mechanical and electrical connection tothe luminaire housing 104 once installed.

The housing mount 102 is adapted to be affixed to a surface (e.g., awall, an eave, a ceiling, etc.) of a building structure. For example, abase or rear portion 150 of the housing mount 102 may includeprojections, such as a pair of screws 6 (best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B),for fastening the housing mount 102 to the junction box 3 containedwithin the structure of the eave 1 or the wall 2, as shown in FIGS. 1Aand 1B respectively. Other examples of fastening elements on the base150, may include but are not limited to, a bracket, a hanger, a brace, ahook, a closed or open slot, or other structure enabling attachment ofthe base to the wall or eave.

The outdoor security light may also include at least one motion sensor110 and has at least one lamp head 112 rotatably and adjustably locatedon the luminaire housing 104. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1Aand 1B, the motion sensor 110 may be positioned along a lower section ofthe rotatably adjustable second portion 108 and independent from thelamp head 112, so that it may be adjustably positioned relative to thehousing and aimed towards high traffic areas or other detection zones.For example, a detection zone may be in front of the installation andlower than an illumination zone. The motion sensor 110 may include atleast one sensor and supporting electronics and may also include a lensover the sensor to properly focalize the input towards the sensor orsensors. Other electronics of the motion sensor may be located withinthe luminaire housing first or second portion 106 or 108 to properlyinterpret the input and send appropriate control signals to a luminairecontroller or other electronics.

The security light 100 allows for multiple installation orientations andincludes at least one lamp head 112, which may be adjustably connectedto the luminaire housing 104 to adjust the light output or illuminationzone. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the lamp head112 may be adjustably mounted onto the luminaire housing second portion108 via an arm 113. In particular, a first end 111 of the arm 113 may becoupled to the second portion 108, and a second end 115 of the arm 113that is opposite to the first end 111 may be in a knuckle jointconfiguration and coupled to the lamp head 112. The knuckle joint 115may be used to appropriately adjust the position of the lamp head 112 toallow the lamp head 112 to be variably positioned three dimensionally sothat a user may direct light emitted from the security light 100 invarious directions. Although FIGS. 1A and 1B describe using knucklejoints 115 for the adjustment of a lamp head 112, it should beunderstood that other supporting mechanisms (e.g., a multi-axis hinge)may also be used to couple the lamp head 112 to the luminaire housingsecond portion 108. For example, FIGS. 2-7 illustrate a configurationwith two lamp heads 112, where the first lamp head 112A and the secondlamp head 112B are each rotationally attached to the luminaire housingsecond portion 108 by a respective first and second rotational hinge 107and 109. As shown in FIG. 2, the first rotational hinge 107 may rotateabout a first rotation axis X while the second rotational hinge 109 mayrotate about a second rotation axis Y, and the first rotation axis X maybe perpendicular to the second rotation axis Y. It should be understoodthat even further embodiments may allow for a separated lamp head 112remote from the luminaire housing 104 and connected thereto by anelectrical connection to power and control the illumination sources. Forexample, a separate lamp head 112 may be individually mounted on asupporting structure by mechanical or magnetic means and be electricallyconnected to the luminaire housing 104.

The lamp head 112 (e.g., a light bulb, an LED diode, etc.) may utilizevarious light sources, such as, inter alia, an incandescent lamp, a highintensity discharge (HID) lamp, a light emitting diode (LED) lamp, ahalogen lamp, a fluorescent lamp, or any other suitable type of lightsource. For example, the lamp head 112 may be color LEDS to providevariability in color and/or color temperature. Colors may be implementedby various techniques including known color mixing of predefined colorLEDs, modifying color output using luminescent materials, driving LEDsat varying intensity to meet color output requirements, among otherknown embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the lamp head 112may be white LEDs or may be a combination of colors in order to generatewhite light. The LEDs may also contain blue LEDs, which interact with aphosphorescent or other film over the lens. Color, brightness, directionand other control may be implemented through a lighting controller 200as depicted in FIG. 9 or through the LED drivers 212 or other similarelectronics.

The lamp head(s) 112 may be controlled by various remote devicesincluding, for example, a user smart phone, a web based or app-basedcontrol, a built-in motion sensor/detector, and/or a built-in lightsensor/detector. Various embodiments for control drivers of the lamphead 112 may be utilized including microprocessors, linear AC drivers orconstant current regulators. In some embodiments, the linear AC driversare ASICs. Other LED or light output drivers and controllers may beused. The lamp head 112 light sources may be provided as LED arrays,segments or individual emitters, any of which may be directlyaddressable and hence drivable by control and/or microprocessors. Suchmay include current regulators, voltage regulators, micro-controllersand other circuitry to maintain illumination levels and lightingcharacteristics of the lamp head 112 light output.

The lamp head(s) 112 may be configured to illuminate at different lightintensity levels. For example, the light source of the luminaire may becapable of dimming, or illuminating at a low/medium/high intensitylevel. In this manner, the lamp head 112 may operate at brighter lightintensity levels in certain situations, at moderate intensity levels, atlower intensity levels, or at a zero-intensity level (i.e., turned off).In some embodiments, user specified alternative preferences may furtherinclude flashing or blinking the lamp head 112 under predefinedconditions. For example, in some embodiments, one or more luminaires orlight source units within multiple or a singular luminaire may beprogrammed to flash intermittently to indicate an alert or warningcondition, such as the detected interruption of power. Alternatively, aflashing alert or warning condition may be implemented by programming oruser adjustment of controls by one or more LED segments upon detectionof motion while concurrently increasing illumination intensity of allremaining illumination segments. Each of these user defined light outputcharacteristics can be programmed and controlled by the controller 200and be stored in system memory 208.

When the lamp head 112 includes multiple light sources, such as withLEDs, the multiple light sources may be separately controllable andaddressable. This allows for a two-step functionality, where differentlight sources are separately and independently activated in response torespective conditions. For example, as shown in the FIG. 2, the firstlamp head 112A may be activated/deactivated based only on low-lightconditions being detected by a light sensor, whereas the second lamphead 112B may be activated/deactivated based on both motion detected bythe motion sensor 110 and a low-light conditions are also being detectedby the light sensor. The low-light condition can be any condition wherethe amount of light detected by the light sensor falls below anactivation threshold, which can be a factory preset threshold level or athreshold level that is adjustable by an end user.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the housing mount 102 of thesecurity light 100 separated from an associated junction box 3.Electrical wiring cables 4 within the junction box 3 may be connected toan electrical connector 152 to provide a wired line voltage electricalconnection to the security light 100 and the embedded electroniccomponents. The electrical connector 152 may be connected to Romex wires4 (the 110V AC hot, neutral, and ground wires) from the junction box 3which are threaded through junction box aperture 8. Screw sleeves 5positioned on the interior of the junction box 3 may receive mountingscrews 6 to fasten the housing mount 102 directly to the junction box 3.Any known method of electrically connecting a wire may be used,including, but not limited to, clamping, soldering, clipping, the use ofscrew terminals, insulation displacement connections, control blockstyle pushing arrangements, or any other method or apparatus. Forexample, the electrical connector 152 may be twist cap connected to thedouble insulated multi-conductor cable, oftentimes referred to as ROMEX.

The electronics within the housing mount 102 may accept standard 120V ACline voltage provided by the junction box 3 and modify any electricalinput. Such modification may be conversion of the high voltage ACelectricity to low voltage DC. The converted electricity can then beprovided to the associated components and the lamp head 112 through alow voltage connection between the luminaire housing and the housingmount. Such modifications may include AC to DC conversion, PWM drivers,smoothing or chopping circuits and the like to provide adequate power tothe luminaire. Such electronics may include AC to DC converters,capacitors, and other electronics with voltage and current modificationtechniques.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the electrical power may be provided to thesecurity light 100 via electrical low voltage contacts between thehousing mount 102 and luminaire housing 104, thereby allowing theluminaire housing to be electrically connected to the power supplywithout additional hard wiring. For example, the electrical contactbetween the first portion 106 of the luminaire housing 104 and thehousing mount 102 may be quick connect low voltage electrical contacts.In some implementations, the luminaire housing 104 may rotate relativeto the installed orientation of the housing mount 102 allowing theinitial orientation of the junction box 3 and/or the housing mount 102to not limit the orientation of the motion sensor 110 and the lamp head112. That is to say that the security light 100, in one of the manyimplementations, is electrically coupled regardless of the rotationalorientation between the luminaire housing 104 relative to the housingmount 102.

In implementations, the electrical connection between the housing mount102 and luminaire housing 104 may, in some implementations, includeground, neutral, and hot connections if not utilizing a transformer. Inother implementations, the voltage into the housing mount 102 may beconverted by transformer or other electronic mechanisms to low voltageand the connection between the housing mount and luminaire housing maybe low voltage DC+ and DC−. In some implementations, these connectionsmay be maintained for rotation about an axis A as shown in FIGS. 4 and6. In some installations, the luminaire housing 104 of the securitylight 100 initially attaches to the housing mount 102 at an offset anglebetween the two structures allowing rotation to be a part of theinstallation process. For example, installation may require rotation ofthe luminaire housing relative to the housing mount 102 by 20-40 degreesbefore the two structures are in a final locked orientation. In stillfurther examples, there may be a direct connection between the housingmount 102 and the luminaire housing 104, which does not requirerotational adjustment. For example, the luminaire housing 104 may snapfit, friction fit or be installed in the proper orientation to thehousing mount 102. In still further implementations, no rotation betweenthe luminaire housing and the housing mount may be required.

In some embodiments, the rotational electrical contacts between thehousing mount 102 and the luminaire housing 104 may be concentriccontacts located on respective receiving interfacing surfaces of the twocomponents. When the two components are in a mounted contactingposition, the contacts may be aligned to corresponding opposing contactson the receiving surface, allowing the power to be exchanged between thecontacts. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, electrical contacts or connections 32,22 between the housing mount 102 and the luminaire housing 104 may berotatably electrically engaged during the rotation (e.g. in theplurality of rotational orientations of the luminaire housing 104 inrespect to the housing mount 102). The one or more electrical contacts22 of the luminaire housing 104 (as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6) may haverotational contact with the one or more respective electrical contacts32 of the housing mount 102 (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5B). The one ormore electrical contacts 22 of the luminaire housing 104 rotates withthe luminaire housing 104 and maintains the contact (e.g. axial and/orradial contact, etc. for 360 degrees contact about the axis A) with thefixed connections 32 of the housing mount 102. Stated alternatively, theone or more engaging contacts 22 may be rotationally held in electricalcontact with the other corresponding contacts 32 at the housing mount102 during any point of the rotation. Thus, in some embodiments, therotatable luminaire housing 104 may be in rotational connection with thehousing mount 102 wherein electrical connectivity between the lightluminaire housing 104 and the housing mount 102 is maintained during allpoints of rotation. In other embodiments, rotational connectivity may bemaintained only during a predefined rotational extent wherein theluminaire housing 104 is energized at recognized rotational pointsrelative to the housing mount 102 while at other points during therotational extent relative to the two the electrical connections may beinterrupted. Similar aspects and features may be implemented in arotatable electrical plug connection as well.

Some implementations may not require rotational electricalimplementation. For example, a first orientation between the housingmount 102 and the luminaire housing 104 is supported whereby electricalconnection is achieved through mechanical connection of the twostructures. For example, an electrical plug configuration can beutilized allowing for electrical connectivity.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, the luminaire housing 104 mayinclude a first and second rearwardly projecting electrical contacts 22in a tensioned leaf spring or brush configuration, engaging theelectrical contacts 32 in a concentric annular ring configuration (e.g.DC positive and DC negative) of wall 138 of the housing mount 102. Thecontacts may include a centrally located coil spring 24 for ground orother control signals with a corresponding centrally located disc 34 ofthe housing mount 102. Both contacts 24, 34 can act as either a groundconnection/contact or may also be utilized as an alternative “othersensing” feature for manual over-ride functionality. In suchembodiments, the first and second rearwardly projecting electricalcontact 22 may maintain electrical connectivity to the energizedconcentric annular rings 32 during the entire rotational extent of theluminaire housing 104 relative to the housing mount 102 while the rings32 are continually in electrical connectivity to respective wirings fromthe transformer.

As depicted in the example of FIG. 5B, the annular contact rings 32 anddisc 34, which are on the secondary side of the transformer for lowvoltage conversion, may be electrically connected to respective DCpositive and DC negative connections from the transformer afterconversion from line voltage to low voltage. Upon installation of theluminaire housing 104 onto the housing mount 102, the first and secondrearwardly projecting electrical contacts 22 may engage the respectiveannular ring 32 and thereby be electrically connected to the respectiveline of the junction box 3 without the user having to directly wire thelight fixture. The spring 24 or other similar engagement surface, tab,contact or spring can be electrically connected to the disc 34. Thefirst and second rearwardly projecting electrical contact 22 and thespring 24 for example as depicted in the embodiments here, could allowfor not only continued engagement around a rotational extent ofengagement between the structures but also elevational differencesthereby maintaining electrical connectivity at differing connectionheights between the luminaire housing 104 onto the housing mount 102.

In various constructions, as shown in FIG. 5B, the plurality of rings 32of the housing mount 102 may be installed within a corresponding numberof annular extending grooves formed within the base to fixedly retainthe rings therein. Further, the disc 34 may be centrally positionedwithin the annular grooves and the annular rings within a recess formedin the housing mount 102. The recess and annular grooves form amechanism to positionally retain both the annular rings 32 and thecontacts from the luminaire within the housing mount 102.

In some embodiments, one or more structures of the luminaire housing 104and/or the housing mount 102 may axially and/or rotationally engage eachother to allow relative rotation and/or energizing of the security light100. Alternatively, or in combination with the light fixture structure,the user may need to axially and/or rotationally maintain the luminairehousing 104 with the housing mount 102 until the rotational orientationis fixed. For example, with the luminaire housing 104 assembled with thehousing mount 102, the electrical contacts 22, 32 may beengaged/energized. In some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5B, oneor more retention members 50 (e.g. lugs, taps, projections, dimples) maybe used to axially retain the luminaire housing 104 with the housingmount 102. The retention member 50 may also allow for relative rotationbetween the luminaire housing 104 and the housing mount 102. Theretention member 50 may be received within one or more receivers 60located on a skirt 27 of the luminaire housing 104.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the housing mount 102 may include oneor more retention members 50 project inwardly from the receiving collar26 of the housing mount 102. The one or more retention members 50 engagethe receiver 60 thereby locking the housing mount 102 and the luminairehousing 104. This may allow the user to have hands free retention untilrotation or other mechanical connection of the luminaire housing 104 isneeded, if any. The one or more retention members 50 may travel 360degrees or a portion thereof within the receiver 60 and allowing therotation of the luminaire housing 104 relative to the housing mount 102.Although the receiver 60 may be a continuous groove about the outerperiphery of the skirt 27 of the luminaire housing 104, it should beunderstood that the receiver 60 may be a variety of constructionsincluding variations in sizes, locations and shapes.

In some embodiments, the luminaire housing 104 may be secured in atleast one orientation relative to the housing mount 102. A mechanicallocking structure/mechanism 70 may be used to retain the luminairehousing 104 within the housing mount 102 or vice versa. For example, anystructure outlined may be swapped in position between the two structuresso that the interference fit or retention is maintained. For example, acam lock or latch 70 may be used to lock or fix the position between thetwo structures. When in a disengaged position as shown in FIG. 4, thelocking mechanism 70 (e.g. a cam lock/latch) allows the luminairehousing 104 to rotate about the axis A. Although the cam lock 70 isshown in the embodiments, it should be understood that a variety of oneor more locking mechanisms may be used to fix the position between theluminaire housing 104 and the housing mount 102. The locking mechanism70 may include, for example, geometric coupling (e.g., dovetails,tongue-and-grooves, pin-and-slots, etc.), and fasteners of many types(e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, pins, ball detents, spring retainers,etc.). For example, in some embodiments, screws which enter into theside of the fixture and which contact the housing mount 102 to maintainrelative position between the luminaire housing 104 and the housingmount 102 may be utilized. As well, for example, rotational stop-lockswith threads engaging between the two structures, engagement lugs whichengage at specific rotational positions, push and turn engagementstructures between the between the luminaire housing 104 and the housingmount 102 may also varyingly be implemented.

In some embodiments, the rotational locking mechanism 70 and the one ormore retention members 50 may axial secure the luminaire housing 104with the housing mount 102. The one or more retention members 50 mayreleasable engage (e.g. axial disengagement) from the annular grooveallowing replacements, repair, or attaching a different style fixturehousing, etc. Further, in some embodiments, the one or more retentionmembers 50 may allow the user to identify that the engagement (e.g.axial) between the housing mount 102 and luminaire housing 104 has beenreached and/or disengaged by creating a characteristic identified by theuser such as, but is not limited to, an audible click, visualidentification, feel, marked rotational position identifiers, etc.Although the retention members are shown as an arcuate projecting taband the annular groove is shown with an arcuate profile, it should beunderstood that the retention member/groove may be different in shape,size, quantity, position, and construction. Moreover, for example, theaxial/rotational structural engagement may be incorporated in eitherhousing/base. Further, implementation without retention members can beachieved. For example, a friction fit and other locking structure can beimplemented. For example, the diameter of the collar can be similar butslightly larger than the skirt 27 allowing the skirt to be frictionallyreceived into the collar.

For example, in some other embodiments, the rotational locking mechanism70 may be used, alone or in combination with other structure (e.g. theretention member 50), to axially and/or rotationally fix the luminairehousing 104 to housing mount 102. For example, the one or morerotational locks 70 may partially be inserted into an annular groove 71in the outer periphery of the skirt 27 of the housing mount 102 allowingaxial retention. The retention is maintained while also being able torotate of the luminaire housing 104 until the user decides to fullyengage the rotational locking mechanism 70 to fix the rotationalorientation. If no retention members are used, one or more rotationallocks may be used alone to lock the axial and rotational position of theluminaire housing 104.

In some embodiments, the one or more retention members 50 may includeone or more different retention members 51. The one or more retentionmembers may be different in shape, size, quantity, position, andconstruction. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the retention members mayinclude at least two separate retention members 50 and 51 to aid inseparation/engagement of the luminaire housing 104 with the housingmount 102. Alternatively, a first retention member 50 may be considereda “hard stop” and a second retention member 51 may be considered a “softstop”. The second retention member 51 may maintain axial rotation/axialengagement but allow for removal/attachment to the groove. The firstretention member 50 may be used in combination with the rotationallocking mechanism 70 to secure the rotational position and/or engage thesealing function of the one or more gaskets 80 and/or maintain axialrotation/axial engagement. The second retention member 51 may assist theuser in removing/attaching the luminaire housing 104 from the axialand/or rotational engagement. For example, the first retention member 50may be unable to disengage from the receiver 60 unless the secondretention member 51 disengages first. Further in some embodiments, thefirst retention member 50 may need to be axial engaged with the receiver60 first before the second retention member 51. In some embodiments, thesecond retention member 51 may require less axial removal force than thefirst retention member. As shown in the embodiments in FIGS. 4 and 5B,the first retention member 50 may be positioned on an opposing side ofthe locking mechanism 70. This may balance the forces to secure theengagement between the luminaire housing 104 and the housing mount 102.It should be understood that the one or more first and/or secondretention members may be in a variety of locations, shapes, sizes,constructions, and quantities.

The motion sensor 110 may incorporate the use of multiple or singlemounted passive infrared sensor (PIR), pyroelectric infrared radial (PR)sensor, radar, sonic and/or laser range finding, among varioustechnologies known to electronically determine movement of people and/oranimals. For example, in some embodiments, the motion sensor 110 may bea capacitive sensor that utilizes a heatsink of the security light 100and/or a transparent patch of indium tin oxide (ITO) on an outer surfaceof security light 100 as a key. Also, for example, in some embodiments,the motion sensor 110 may be an ultra-sonic Doppler transmitter andreceiver that uses time of flight techniques to determine distance to anobject. Also, for example, in some embodiments, the motion sensor 110may be a radar transmitter and receiver that uses time of flighttechniques to determine distance to an object or may be a video camera.Also, for example, in some embodiments, the motion sensor 110 may be aninfra-red reflection distance sensor receiver that measures distance toan object. Also, for example, in some embodiments, the motion sensor 110may be a PIR that detects a heat source (such as a user's hand). Also,for example, in some embodiments, the motion sensor 110 may be lightreflection sensor that detects presence and/or distance of an objectbased on reflections of light output of the security light 100. Also,for example, in some embodiments, the motion sensor 110 may be a cameraand one or more signals from the camera may be utilized to detectpresence and/or distance of an object. For example, signals from a depthcamera may be utilized to determine an object in the shape of a personor vehicle is approaching. Also, for example, signals from a camera maybe utilized to determine movement and the movement may be assumed ordetermined to be human movement. Also, for example, signals from acamera may be utilized to determine presence of a heart beat forexample, by monitoring changes in reflected light from a hand and/orother body part of a user. In some embodiments a proximity sensor mayinclude one or more controllers to determine presence, distance, and/orother values.

The motion sensor 110 may be affixed directly to the luminaire housing104 or may be remote therefrom and may be connected to the securitylight 100 either by a wired or a wireless connection. For example, themotion sensor 110 may communicate with the security light 100 from aremote location and provide a signal indicating detected motion. Suchtechnology may include heat signatures, range finding and/or distancemeasurement algorithms and other techniques which may be electronicallyimplemented in the motion sensor 110, combined with electronics withinthe luminaire housing 104.

In some embodiments, the motion sensor 110 may also include a motionsensor lens 132 to protect electronics inside, and through which themotion sensor 110 can detect motion. The motion sensor lens 132 may be atransparent or translucent bulb type housing. For example, the motionsensor lens 132 may be a Fresnel lens and/or other similar structures tofocus light and/or radiation to the opening allowing input to the senorelectronics. Motion sensor 110 may also include shroud 124 which definesthe outward sight lines of the motion sensors interior to and behind thelens 132. For example, the shroud 124 has a larger aperture portionalongside or peripheral extremes and narrows the upper and lower fieldof view. Such shroud 124 may incorporate such sections, e.g. narrowingupper and lower extremes and widening peripheral extremes, to increaserange, removing extraneous input and improve range.

Besides the motion sensor 110, in some embodiments, the security light100 may incorporate additional sensing devices such as a light (optical)sensor to determine ambient light levels, allowing the associated lamphead 112 to come on at dusk (e.g., enabling the dusk to dawn (D2D) modeas shown in FIG. 8). For example, a light sensor such as a photodiodewith fully operational light sensing electronics may be located on theluminaire housing 104. The light sensor may also be combined with otherlocation finding techniques to determine location and time zone andcorrelating location with pre-determined or calculated sunset andsunrise times. For example, upon access to an internet connection, awireless communication module 202 could obtain location information andalso automatic sunset and sunrise information daily for such location.Alternatively, the lighting controller may have associated electronicsand memory to allow programming of customer/installed desired on/offtimes after dusk, illumination ON times after sensing motion, full duskto dawn illumination, partial or lower light intensity dusk to dawnillumination for the entire period or for user defined periods,modification of intensity levels, or other customer desirablemodifications. Further, the lighting controller may further beconfigured to sense a hard ‘reset’ or active ‘on’ by manual switchingoff then on of the power at the switch by the user. All of such featuresmay be incorporated into the lighting controller programming where amicroprocessor executes instructions stored in an associated memory, orin alternative or combined configurations, some or all features may beimplemented with associated circuit controls incorporated into thecontroller. The light sensor may be a photocell, such as a lightdependent resistor or photo resistor or a photocell, however other typesof light sensors may also be used.

It should be understood that duty cycle modification, frequencymodulation, or other modulation schemes and control functions may beutilized in such embodiments for purposes of modifying the intensitylevel of the illumination and pulse width modulation to save energy.Further, other power usage functionality may be implemented such asreducing the modulation frequency of the lamp head 112 once certainvoltage levels are reached, modifying the light output or othercharacteristics, reading ambient temperature characteristics to modifycharging cycles and the like.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to allow the user to reprogramthe associated control parameters of the security light 100. Suchmodification can include the delay times and sensitivity for triggeringof the motion sensor 110, the light intensity levels, color, colortemperature, and color sensitivity for triggering of the light sensor,as well as other control parameters such as on times and lowerillumination times and/or levels. Such reprograming may be implementedthrough the security light 100 user input switches or dials as well asthrough wireless communications.

As shown in FIG. 8, a control panel 140 for the security light 100 maybe located on the luminaire housing 104 and allow for a first and asecond user input 142, 144. In some embodiments, the control panel 140may be located elsewhere on the security light 100, or the control panel140 may be located remotely from the security light 100. The controlpanel 140 may include a variety of controls to allow a user to makeadjustments to the operation of the security light 100. In theillustrated embodiment as shown only as one example in FIG. 8, thecontrol panel 140 may include a timer adjustment 142, a brightnessadjuster 144, and/or a solar panel connection port 146. The timeradjustment 142 allows a user to adjust how long the lamp head 112 shouldremain illuminated once motion has been detected by the motion sensor110. The brightness adjustment 146 user input allows a user to adjustthe light level of the one or more lamp head 112. The test mode mayallow a user to walk around and adjust the motion sensor 110 to thedesired position. The D2D mode places the security light 100 in an “ON”state from sundown to sunrise. It should be understood that alternativecontrol panel layouts, configurations, and controls are possible. Forexample, in some embodiments, the security light 100 may have one ormore color-changing lamp heads 112, and the control panel 140 may alsoinclude controls for allowing a user to set the color of light beingemitted. In some other embodiments, user specified alternativemodifications may further include flashing or blinking lights of each orall lamp heads 112 under predefined conditions. For example, in someembodiments, one or more lamp heads 112 may be programmed via thecontrol panel 140 to flash intermittently to indicate an alert orwarning condition, such as the detected interruption of power.Alternatively, a flashing alert or warning condition may be implementedby programming or user adjustment of controls by one or more lightpanels upon detection of motion while concurrently increasingillumination intensity of one or more lamp heads 112.

It should be also understood that such programming capability may alsobe implemented by a user through a mobile programming device, such as aphone or dedicated remote control, and a communication channel may beutilized for both transmission and receiving commands from the remotesource or server or directly from the user device. Correspondingapplications may be implemented for modification of such features on auser mobile device. For example, a user may select and/or modify ON timeafter the motion sensor 110 detects motion while also selecting theillumination intensity, such as dimming the illumination levels slowlyduring change in state. In alternative embodiments, the user may selectand/or modify the specific colors utilized by the lamp head 112, ifsupported, and may include user modification of the color temperature.Such modifications may be implemented either for of each or all lampheads 112.

As stated previously, in some embodiments, the security light 100 mayinclude one or more electrical components such as the controller 200,transformers, and other electronics. For example, in some embodiments,various electronics such as wireless communication modules 202 allowremote control of the security light. In such examples, a Wi-Fi, bluetooth, ZigBee, or other short-range communication protocols may beimplemented with supporting electronics as part of a wirelesscommunication strategy. Modification of light output characteristics maybe implemented by modulation techniques including pulse widthmodulation, frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, embedded pulsecode modulation for data inclusion, as well as others and combinationsthereof. The controller and/or driver for the security light 100 may beintegrated into a single electronic circuit and/or control processor arenot necessarily required to be separated or integrated as either may beimplemented, alone or in a combined configuration to control the lightoutput of the lamp head 112. The respective modulated pulses from thedriver, drivers, and/or controllers as well as possibly the baselinecurrents output by the driver circuits may be independently controlledby higher level logic of a system controller. In a digital controllerexample, such logic may be implemented by a programmablemicrocontroller, although those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe logic could take other forms, such as discrete logic components, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. Additionally,and/or alternatively, the security light 100 may be configured tooperate at pre-programmed or pre-scheduled times.

In some embodiments, the security light 100 may also include a wirelesscommunication module 202. The communication module may allowcommunication with other devices (e.g., a Wi-Fi router) to establish awired or a wireless connection according to various communicationstandards (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ZigBee) between thesecurity light 100 and a remote device (e.g., a smart phone, server,etc.). In some embodiments, the communication module may be located inthe luminaire housing 104 and/or the housing mount 102. In someembodiments, the communication module may be in a separate location fromthe security light 100. For example, the communication module may belocated remotely connected by wire or wirelessly to the security light100 and other electronics. The communication module may be, for example,a Wi-Fi microchip with full TCP/IP stack and microcontroller capability.The communication module may allow the controller 200 to connect to theinternet and make simple TCP/IP connections using Hayes-style commands.The communication module may also allow the security light 100 totransmit data through the internet to various servers or other devices.In some implementations, the light 100 may be controlled and or modifiedby the same services or other devices.

In various embodiments, the communication module and the controller 200may be integrated. For example, the controller 200 may be provided withprocessing capabilities and also include an embedded wireless controllerchip. In still further examples, multiple electronic elements may beintegrated or separated. For example, a lighting controller may beintegrated with communications module into a single chip.

It should be understood that various control functions may be achievedwith the help of the communication module. For example, a user may use asmart phone to communicate to the security light 100 using thecommunication module to select and/or modify ON time after the motionsensor 110 detects motion while also selecting the illuminationintensity, such as dimming the illumination levels slowly during changein state. In alternative embodiments, the user may use the smart phoneto communicate to the security light 100 using the communication moduleto select and/or modify the specific colors utilized by the associatedlight fixtures, if supported, may also select and/or modify the colortemperature.

It is to be understood that a rotationally adjustable outdoor securitylight disclosed here is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangement of components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The describedembodiments are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. That is, the structure of therotationally adjustable outdoor security light as shown here ispresented for purpose of illustration and description only. It isunderstood that numerous modifications and alterations of the structureof the rotationally adjustable outdoor security light may be made whileretaining the teachings of the present disclosure. Consequently, thedisclosed rotationally adjustable outdoor security light may beinstalled in various environments. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms“connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein areused broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings,and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” andvariations thereof are not restricted to direct physical or mechanicalconnections or couplings. It should be understood that the rotationallyadjustable mechanism could vary greatly and still accomplish the sameintent. The elements depicted in the accompanying figures may includeadditional components and that some of the components described in thosefigures may be removed and/or modified without departing from scopes ofthe elements disclosed herein. The elements depicted in the figures maynot be drawn to scale and thus, the elements may have different sizesand/or configurations other than as shown in the figures.

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments describedherein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the inventive teachingsis/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is,therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presentedby way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claimsand equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventiveembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individualfeature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent,is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood tocontrol over dictionary definitions, definitions in documentsincorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the definedterms.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in thespecification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in theclaims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements soconjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some casesand disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with“and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” ofthe elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be presentother than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause,whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when usedin conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer,in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other thanB); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionallyincluding other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should beunderstood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. Forexample, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall beinterpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, butalso including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and,optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated tothe contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when usedin the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactlyone element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or”as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusivealternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded byterms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or“exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims,shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one stepor act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarilylimited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method arerecited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are tobe understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limitedto. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases,respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual ofPatent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03. It should be understoodthat certain expressions and reference signs used in the claims pursuantto Rule 6.2(b) of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (“PCT”) do not limit thescope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling an outdoor securitylight connected to multiple electrical sources, comprising: a luminairehousing having at least one luminaire lamp head adjustably connected tothe luminaire housing, the at least one luminaire lamp head having aplurality of illumination sources; an illumination controllerelectrically connected to a first electrical supply input, a secondelectrical supply input and a third electrical supply input and operableto detect an electrical characteristic at each of the first electricalsupply input, second electrical supply input and third electrical supplyinput; the illumination controller controlling at least one illuminationcharacteristic of the luminaire lamp head plurality of illuminationsources; a motion detection sensor electrically connected to theillumination controller; the illumination controller connected to anassociated memory, the associated memory storing an electricalconnectivity priority list which is accessible by the illuminationcontroller and which contains at least: a first, second and thirdpriority electrical connection between the first electrical supplyinput, second electrical supply input and the third electrical supplyinput; for each of the first, second and third priority electricalconnection, an associated light output illumination level for detectedmotion from the motion detection sensor; detecting by the illuminationcontroller the electrical characteristic from at least one of the firstelectrical supply input, second electrical supply input and thirdelectrical supply input; selecting by the illumination controller one ofthe first electrical supply input, second electrical supply input andthird electrical supply input based upon: the detected characteristic ofat least one of the first electrical supply input, second electricalsupply input and third electrical supply input, and the electricalconnectivity priority list; selectively connecting by the illuminationcontroller the motion detection sensor to the selected one of theplurality of the first electrical supply input, second electrical supplyinput and third electrical supply input based upon: detecting by themotion detection sensor a motion signal; illuminating by theillumination controller the plurality of illumination sources of the atleast one luminaire lamp head by the selected one of the plurality ofthe first electrical supply input, second electrical supply input andthird electrical supply input at the associated light outputillumination level for the selected electrical supply input.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the detecting by the illumination controllerthe electrical characteristic from at least one of the first electricalsupply input, second electrical supply input and third electrical supplyinput detects at least one of voltage and current.
 3. The method ofclaim 2 wherein the detecting by the illumination controller theelectrical characteristic from at least one of the first electricalsupply input, second electrical supply input and third electrical supplyinput, includes: detecting each of the first electrical supply input,second electrical supply input and third electrical supply input in apredetermined electrical selectivity order; determining if detectedfirst electrical supply input, second electrical supply input and thirdelectrical supply input meets a predetermined threshold; discontinuingthe detecting once one of the detected first electrical supply input,second electrical supply input and third electrical supply input meets apredetermined threshold.
 4. The method of claim 3 further includingdiscontinuing the illuminating by the illumination controller of the atleast one luminaire lamp head after a predetermined time period.
 5. Themethod of claim 4 wherein the predetermined time period for illuminatingof the at least one luminaire lamp head is associated with theassociated light output illumination level.
 6. A method of controllingan outdoor security light, comprising: sensing, by an illuminationcontroller, an electrical characteristic at a first electrical sourceinput, a second electrical source input and a third electrical sourceinput; based upon the sensed electrical characteristic, connecting oneof the first electrical source input, the second electrical source inputand the third electrical source input, to a plurality of LEDs in atleast one lamp head of the security light; wherein the first electricalsource input is electrically connected to a line voltage input, thesecond electrical source input is connected to a remote solar chargingstation having a rechargeable battery, and the third electrical sourceinput is electrically connected to a local battery source; wherein theconnecting one of the first electrical source input, the secondelectrical source input and the third electrical source input, to theplurality of LEDs in the at least one lamp head of the security light isbased upon an electrical connectivity priority list stored in memoryassociated with the outdoor security light.
 7. The method of claim 6wherein the sensing of the electrical characteristic is at least sensinga first voltage at the first electrical source input.
 8. The method ofclaim 7 wherein the sensing of the electrical characteristic furtherincludes sensing a second voltage at the second electrical source inputand sensing a third voltage at the third electrical source input.
 9. Themethod of claim 6 wherein the sensing of the electrical characteristicincludes detecting at least one of voltage or current.
 10. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising prioritizing the connecting to the pluralityof LEDs.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the prioritizing theconnecting further includes: connecting the first electrical sourceinput to the plurality of LEDs when the sensed first voltage is at leasta predetermined minimum voltage.
 12. The method of claim 11 furthercomprising when the sensed first voltage is not at least a predeterminedminimum voltage, determining if the sensed second voltage is at least asecond predetermined voltage; when the sensed second voltage is at leasta second predetermined voltage, connecting the second electrical sourceinput to the plurality of LEDs.
 13. The method of claim 12 furthercomprising when the sensed second voltage is not at least a secondpredetermined minimum voltage, determining if the sensed third voltageis at least a third predetermined voltage; when the sensed third voltageis at least a third predetermined voltage, connecting the thirdelectrical source input to the plurality of LEDs.
 14. The method ofclaim 10 further comprising setting a predetermined intensity for theplurality of LEDs based on the prioritizing the connecting.
 15. A methodof controlling an outdoor security light, comprising: providing a firstelectrical source input, a second electrical source input and a thirdelectrical source input in the outdoor security light; wherein the firstelectrical source input is electrically connectable to a line voltageinput, the second electrical source input is connectable to a remotesolar charging station having a rechargeable battery, and the thirdelectrical source input is electrically connected to a local batterysource; sensing, by an illumination controller, an electricalcharacteristic at the first electrical source input, the secondelectrical source input and the third electrical source input; basedupon the sensed electrical characteristic, determining a priority ofconnections between the first electrical source input, the secondelectrical source input and the third electrical source input; whereinthe determining of the priority of connections further includes at leastassociated electrical priority circuitry; connecting one of the firstelectrical source input, the second electrical source input and thethird electrical source input, to a plurality of LEDs in at least onelamp head of the security light based upon the determined priority ofconnections.
 16. A method of controlling an outdoor security light,comprising: providing a first electrical source input, a secondelectrical source input and a third electrical source input in theoutdoor security light; wherein the first electrical source input iselectrically connectable to a line voltage input, the second electricalsource input is connectable to a remote solar charging station having arechargeable battery, and the third electrical source input iselectrically connected to a local battery source; sensing an electricalcharacteristic at the first electrical source input, the secondelectrical source input and the third electrical source input;determining a connection priority between the first electrical sourceinput, the second electrical source input and the third electricalsource input; connecting one of the first electrical source input, thesecond electrical source input and the third electrical source input, toa plurality of LEDs in at least one lamp head of the security lightbased upon the determined priority of connections.
 17. An outdoorsecurity light with multiple power sources, comprising: a luminairehousing having at least one luminaire lamp head, the at least oneluminaire lamp head adjustably connected to the luminaire housing, theat least one luminaire lamp head having a plurality of LEDs; anillumination controller electrically connected to a first electricalsupply input, a second electrical supply input and a third electricalsupply input and operable to detect an electrical characteristic at eachof the first electrical supply input, second electrical supply input andthird electrical supply input; the illumination controller operable tocontrol at least one illumination characteristic of the luminaire lamphead plurality of LEDs; the first electrical supply input connected to aline voltage power line, the second electrical supply input connected toa rechargeable battery connected to a photovoltaic cell and the thirdelectrical supply input connected to at least one backup batteryretained within the luminaire housing; the illumination controllerconnected to an associated memory, the associated memory storing anelectrical connectivity priority list which is accessible by theillumination controller and which contains at least: a first, second andthird priority electrical connection between the first electrical supplyinput, second electrical supply input and the third electrical supplyinput; for each of the first, second and third priority electricalconnection, an associated light output illumination level for motion;the illumination controller operable to select a selected electricalinput to connect to the plurality of LEDs of the at least one luminairelamp head, one of the first electrical supply input, second electricalsupply input and third electrical supply input based upon: the detectedcharacteristic of at least one of the first electrical supply input,second electrical supply input and third electrical supply input, andthe electrical connectivity priority list; the illumination controller,upon receipt of a motion detect signal, operative to: selectivelyconnect the selected electrical input selected from the first electricalsupply input, the second electrical supply input and the thirdelectrical supply input, to the plurality of LEDs of the at least oneluminaire lamp head; adjust the illumination level of the plurality ofLEDs of the at least one luminaire lamp head to the associated lightoutput illumination level for motion stored in the electricalconnectivity priority list.
 18. The security light of claim 17 whereinthe electrical connectivity priority list is stored in the associatedmemory accessible to the illumination controller within the outdoorsecurity light.
 19. The security light of claim 17 further including aremote server in electronic communication with the illuminationcontroller of the outdoor security light, wherein the electricalconnectivity priority list is communicated to the illuminationcontroller from the remote server.
 20. The security light of claim 17wherein the electrical connectivity priority list further includes: foreach of the first, second and third priority electrical connection, theassociated light output illumination level for: non-motion and a motionon-duration value representing a time amount the at least one luminairelamp head is illuminated upon detection of motion.
 21. The securitylight of claim 17 wherein the security light further includes a userinput panel, the user input panel providing an over-ride selection forillumination intensity, the over-ride selection for illuminationintensity read by the illumination controller and replacing at least oneof the first, second and third priority electrical connectionsassociated light output illumination level for motion.
 22. The securitylight of claim 17 wherein the illumination controller, after selectivelyconnecting the plurality of LEDs of the at least one luminaire lamp headto one of the first electrical supply input, second electrical supplyinput and third electrical supply input, is operable to continue todetect the detected characteristic of at least one of the firstelectrical supply input, second electrical supply input and thirdelectrical supply input.
 23. The security light of claim 17 wherein theillumination controller, after selectively connecting the plurality ofLEDs of the at least one luminaire lamp head to one of the firstelectrical supply input, second electrical supply input and thirdelectrical supply input, continues to detect the detected characteristicof each of the first electrical supply input, second electrical supplyinput and third electrical supply input.
 24. The security light of claim23 wherein the illumination controller configured to selectivelydisconnect and re-connect the plurality of LEDs of the at least oneluminaire lamp head to one of the first electrical supply input, secondelectrical supply input and third electrical supply input based upon:the detected characteristic of at least one of the first electricalsupply input, second electrical supply input and third electrical supplyinput, and the electrical connectivity priority list.
 25. The securitylight of claim 24 wherein the illumination controller's selectivere-connection of the at least one luminaire lamp head includesmodification of the associated light output illumination level formotion.
 26. The security light of claim 17 wherein the detectedelectrical characteristic is voltage.
 27. The security light of claim 26wherein the illumination controller is connected to at least one switchoperable to connect the plurality of LEDs of the at least one luminairelamp head to one of the first electrical supply input, second electricalsupply input and third electrical supply input.
 28. An outdoor securitylight with multiple power sources, comprising: a luminaire housinghaving at least one luminaire lamp head adjustably connected to theluminaire housing, the at least one luminaire lamp head having aplurality of illumination sources; an illumination controllerelectrically connected to a first electrical supply input, a secondelectrical supply input and a third electrical supply input and operableto detect an electrical characteristic at each of the first electricalsupply input, second electrical supply input and third electrical supplyinput; the illumination controller operable to control at least oneillumination characteristic of the luminaire lamp head plurality ofillumination sources; a motion detection sensor electrically connectedto the illumination controller; the illumination controller connected toan associated memory, the associated memory storing an electricalconnectivity priority list which is accessible by the illuminationcontroller and which contains at least: a first, second and thirdpriority electrical connection between the first electrical supplyinput, second electrical supply input and the third electrical supplyinput; for each of the first, second and third priority electricalconnection, an associated light output illumination level for detectedmotion from the motion detection sensor; the illumination controlleroperable to selectively connect the plurality of illumination sources ofthe at least one luminaire lamp head to one of the first electricalsupply input, second electrical supply input and third electrical supplyinput based upon: the detected characteristic of at least one of thefirst electrical supply input, second electrical supply input and thirdelectrical supply input; a received motion detect signal from the motiondetection sensor; and the electrical connectivity priority list.
 29. Anoutdoor security light with multiple power sources, comprising: aluminaire housing having at least one luminaire lamp head adjustablyconnected to the luminaire housing, the at least one luminaire lamp headhaving a plurality of illumination sources; an illumination controllerelectrically connected to a first electrical supply input, a secondelectrical supply input and a third electrical supply input and operableto detect an electrical characteristic at each of the first electricalsupply input, second electrical supply input and third electrical supplyinput; the illumination controller operable to control at least oneillumination characteristic of the luminaire lamp head plurality ofillumination sources; a motion detection sensor electrically connectedto the illumination controller; the illumination controller connected toan associated priority circuitry, the associated priority circuitrysetting an electrical connectivity priority which is accessible by theillumination controller and which contains at least: a first, second andthird priority electrical connection between the first electrical supplyinput, second electrical supply input and the third electrical supplyinput; and for each of the first, second and third priority electricalconnection, an associated light output illumination level for detectedmotion from the motion detection sensor; the illumination controlleroperable to selectively connect the plurality of illumination sources ofthe at least one luminaire lamp head to one of the first electricalsupply input, second electrical supply input and third electrical supplyinput based upon: the detected characteristic of at least one of thefirst electrical supply input, second electrical supply input and thirdelectrical supply input; a received motion detect signal from the motiondetection sensor; and an electrical connectivity priority list.
 30. Theoutdoor security light of claim 29 wherein the associated prioritycircuitry includes at least one switch setting.